Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.

In this kickoff episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon launches Neurodivergent Narratives—a brand-new writing series designed to help autistic and neurodivergent voices explore identity, healing, and truth-telling through the written word.

Angela shares her lifelong SPIN on writing (including a childhood story called They Wed), reads her powerful contest-winning memoir The Heart of Us vs. The Truths We Hide, and introduces a FREE weekly writing contest open through July.

Whether you’re a long-time writer or just beginning to unmask on the page, this series is your invitation to speak your truth—and maybe even get published.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Why storytelling is a powerful tool for autistic identity integration
• How narrative expression helps process masking, burnout, and self-discovery
• Behind-the-scenes of Angela’s writing journey and her winning memoir
• How to participate in the Neurodivergent Narratives writing circle
• Where to submit your work, how to get featured, and what to expect weekly
• Why reclaiming your voice is a cultural act, not just a creative one

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: 6-Word Identity Declaration Contest

🏆 Week 1 Prompt: Write a six-word response that speaks your neurodivergent truth.

✨ Examples:

• “I’m not broken, just different.”
• “Mask off. Voice on. Finally.”
• “Sensory, sacred, soft, strong, seen.”
• “Burnout broke me. Writing rebuilt me.”
• “Diagnosis: devastation. Then came rebirth.”

💬 Your six words can be serious, funny, poetic, or powerful. Just make them yours.

📌 The Essentials

🖊️ Open to: Everyone

🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 14 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK

💷 Prize: £10 per winner

📘 Publication: Winners featured on Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthology

🔗 Submit your entry here →

✅ Rules at a Glance:

• No plagiarism or hate speech
• No explicit or graphic content
• Multiple entries allowed
• No subscription or attendance required
• Final decisions are final

📢 Use #6WordVoice on social media to share your entry.

🔗 Featured Links & References

🎧 Listen to more 6-word memoirs in this NPR podcast

📖 Wired Our Own Way – Irish Autistic Literary Anthology → Amazon link

📘 Going Home by Mike Kingdon – Buy on Amazon

Related Episodes:

Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)

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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

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