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

In this episode of Writing Unmasked, Dr. Angela Kingdon shares her most powerful personal advice for newly identified autistic adults—and invites you to do the same.

As part of our Neurodivergent Narratives Writing Series, this episode explores how advice, in just 100 words or fewer, becomes a cultural artifact—a way to say:

✨ “You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And yes, your weird, wonderful brain is welcome here.”

We also announce the winners of our Week 9 writing prompt contest!

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Why advice-giving is one of the fastest ways autistic people build culture and connection
• How writing short-form advice can help process identity shock, grief, and unmasking
• The difference between self-diagnosed vs. self-identified in autistic discourse
• How special interests can serve as healing rituals, not guilty pleasures
• A behind-the-scenes look at how we design this journal-therapy-inspired podcast series
• Insight into the upcoming Neurodivergent Narratives Masterclass
• How to contribute your voice to future episodes and community anthologies

🏆 Week 9 Winners

🥇 First Place:

“At Least Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie Got Warned”

by Elena Kay Greenwell

🥈 Runner-Up:

“Greyworld”

by Katherine Stewart

Congratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? Read them here.

📝 Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Got A Tip’ Contest

Prompt:

In 100 words or fewer, share your best advice for someone newly identified as autistic.

When you're late-identified, the world can feel overwhelming. Advice from lived autistic experience cuts through the fog—it’s not therapy, it’s voice reclamation.

🖊️ Open to: Everyone

🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 16 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK

💷 Prize: £10 per winner

📘 Publication: Winners featured on Substack and in our 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 #gotatip on social media to spread the word

This isn’t therapy. This is voice reclamation.

Submit entry. Let Your Voice Be Heard.

💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.

🔗 Featured Links & References:

🎤 Joe Wells – “I Am Autistic” (Comedy Set on YouTube)

🎵 Jude Perl – “The Label Song” on Bandcamp

📘 Am I Actually Autistic? – A guide to processing late autism discovery

→ Free preview on Substack

🎙️ Related Episodes:

Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33

Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34

🌟 Connect With Us

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🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop

🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

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