An episode that checks all the vital signs.

In Episode 108 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive deeper into the complex world of autistic healthcare, a follow-up to our previous episode on autistic medical needs. From misunderstood comorbidities to the exhausting reality of medical self-advocacy in a neurotypical system.

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

* We explore common autistic comorbid conditions like POTS, MCAS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, PMDD, PCOS, and PTSD, and how living in a world not built for us can directly affect our physical health.

* The episode addresses medical gaslighting, internalized ableism in healthcare, and how autistic patients are often dismissed, especially when they come prepared with research.

* We break down how bottom-up processing and a need to understand “why” can clash with top-down medical systems, where compliance is often expected without question.

* Masking in doctors' offices is a full-time job—autistic patients are often misperceived as cold, overly emotional, or aggressive simply for advocating for themselves.

* We highlight how systemic racism and ableism intersect in medical settings, further harming multiply marginalized autistic people.

* This episode also calls for neurodiversity-affirming care, better provider education, and the power of autistic community connections in navigating health systems with clarity and support.

“We like to be in the background. We like to be in the shadows. We don't like to be judged, because it’s safer there. Because otherwise, there is a chance that we will be judged, we will be left out, and people will actively dislike us. But, if we are invisible, there’s no chance for that to happen.” - Matt Lowry LPP

“Living in a neurotypical world is inherently traumatic for us. The CPTSD rate is so high for autistic people that neurotypical people can’t tell what’s CPTSD and what’s autism traits. That’s the thing about the anxiety and the depression and the gastrointestinal distress and all of this stuff. It’s not normal autistic stuff. It’s autistic distress cues.” - Matt Lowry LPP

“The bias is that, ‘if there’s a way to fix it easily, then let’s fix it easily.’ And I don’t think that’s wrong, but it ends up feeling a whole lot like gaslighting and being pushed away when we know real things are happening.” - Dr Angela Kingdon

“But here’s the thing, because you don’t know you as well as this doctor knows you, because this doctor has a degree and went to school, and they know all the things. They are God-like.” - Matt Lowry LPP

Did you enjoy this episode? We dive into the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world with a neurodivergent brain, exploring the medical hurdles and advocacy we face. From medical gaslighting to the struggles of masking in doctor’s offices, we discuss how these issues impact our health and well-being. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences and connect with others on social media!

Related Episodes:

Autistic Medical Needs

Autism Affirming Social Skills

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