This week's episode, we’re diving headfirst into autistic identity—what it means, how it differs from a medical diagnosis, and why the DSM criteria kind of miss the point. We’re also calling out the neurotypical gatekeeping that makes getting a diagnosis way harder than it needs to be.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why you’re still autistic even if no doctor has given your identity their stamp of approval
• How the DSM is loaded with ableism—and Matt’s affirming way to reframe it
• Echolalia, stimming, and our love of routines (yes, even Taylor Swift on repeat)
• Comic-Con vibes to Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic

As always, it’s part theory, part lived experience, and a whole lot of geeky tangents—because we’re not here to fit into neurotypical boxes.

In this episode, we talk about Cassandra Syndrome - what it is, why it’s a problem, and how it shows up in cross-neurotype relationships. We get into the double empathy problem, developmental trauma, and the kinds of anxiety that come from being chronically misunderstood. We also go off on some very real tangents about:
- Trains and chicken nuggets

- Interoception, alexithymia, and emotional gummy bears

- That feeling when your body’s sending signals but your brain’s on mute

As always, it’s part theory, part lived experience, and completely real on purpose. We’re glad you’re here.

In this episode, Erin and Matt talk about the causes of Autistic Anxiety, Expectation Sensitivity, Cross-Neurotype relationship therapy, and ask the age-old question, "Is it anxiety, or did I just eat at [restaurant redacted]"

Meet your new co-hosts, Erin Findley PsyD, and Matt Lowry, LPP! We talk about who we are, the Autistic Accent, Opera, Superman, Autistic Centered Therapy, Weird Al Yankovic, and stimming. It makes more sense when you hear it than this synopsis would suggest.

We're back and better than ever!