In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:

*TW: This episode was recorded prior to the allegations against Neil Gaiman breaking. TACP stands with victims of assault and wish the Autistic community comfort and healing as we grapple with our feelings, both individually and collectively Please, listen with care. For more support and resources, please read our guest blog “When Your Special Interest Turns Out to be Problematic.”

Podcast hosts, Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Lauria, discuss Neil Gaiman and his recent post identifying himself as autistic. Topics include:

* Interception difficulties, etymology fun, and how left-handedness relates to autism.

* Gaiman’s prolific writing including: “Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion,” “Good Omens,” “Constantine,” “Coraline,” “Doom Patrol,” “Stardust,” and “Babylon 5.”

* Sandman: one of the first graphic novels to reach the NYT Best Seller’s List. Plus, how Neil Gaiman welcomed a whole new demographic (women) to comic books.

* Amanda Palmer: Gaiman’s chaotic, quirky, punk, ex-wife who might just be a high masking autistic woman.

* Bonus: Neil Gaiman’s surprising best friend!

Episode Quotes:

“He brought a newfound legitimacy to comics.” —Matt

“It became very, very ethereal and created this grand mythology that was beyond what other comic writers were doing at the time and created a giant template that brought in a whole new audience.” —Matt

“This issue was the first and only comic to ever win the World Fantasy Award for short fiction in 1991, before they changed the rules to make sure comics could never win it again. He broke the system to where they had to patch the hole, because he’s so good.” —Matt

“If you are autistic—especially as a woman—and you have been masking and scrounging to survive, often there is trauma associated with it.” —Angela

“But, I think a lot of it is a trauma response of not knowing how to love her neurodivergent brain.” —Angela

Are you “Team Gaiman” or “Team Palmer”? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!

Show notes and resources:

Neil Gaiman’s Tumblr

ONTD Original: A timeline of Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer's relationship

Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:

Episode 19: Eminem is Autistic

Episode 28: Superheroes are Autistic

Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic

Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

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* Autistic Connections Facebook Group

* AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press

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