Autistic Culture Presents...

What is masking, why do people do it, and can it actually be measured?Chelsey Flood speaks with researcher Dr Laura Hull about the science of masking, the experiences that masking describes, and why having language for these behaviours matters. Together they explore what masking looks like, what people may be masking, and the growing body of research helping us better understand neurodivergent experiences.In this episode:What masking isThe science behind masking researchWhy people maskThe importance of language and recognitionNeurodivergent identity and understandingContent Note: This episode includes discussion of mental health and masking research.🎙️ Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by neurodivergent business coach and former educator Megan Bonde to explore what happens when we stop trying to fit ourselves into systems that weren't designed for us.Together they discuss burnout, productivity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of understanding how your brain works. Megan shares her journey from special education leadership to building a business around her strengths, while Becca reflects on creating flexibility in both education and work. The conversation explores delegation, self-advocacy, and why success looks different for every neurodivergent person.In this episode:Recovering from burnout and survival modeBuilding a business around your strengthsWhy productivity isn't one-size-fits-allDelegation, support, and letting go of perfectionismCreating neuroinclusive workplaces and systemsStructure, flexibility, and autonomyEntrepreneurship for neurodivergent peopleRedefining success beyond money and outputGuest:Megan Bonde is a neurodivergent business coach, TEDx speaker, former speech-language pathologist, and founder of an intentional community focused on neuroinclusive living and learning.🚂 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this episode of Theatrically Authentic, Sarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what it actually means to be a neurodivergent performer — from auditions and rejection sensitivity to character building, hyperfocus, and the emotional intensity of stepping on stage.Simon reflects on his experiences as an autistic actor working across theatre, film, and television, discussing how performance became a structured means of processing emotion, identity, and self-expression. Together, Sarah and Simon unpack the realities of audition culture, masking in rehearsal rooms, and the exhausting balance between artistic authenticity and professional survival.Featuring discussions of performances in Oliver!, The Merchant of Venice, Masters of the Air, Romeo and Juliet, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, and immersive theatre experiences like Secret Cinema, this episode explores how neurodivergent minds approach storytelling differently, and why that perspective can create unforgettable performances. 📢 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

What if the difficult person, the repeated pattern, or the weight you keep carrying is not only a burden - but also a teacher?In this episode of Mindful Mondays, Ashley explores the phrase “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Buddha” - a playful twist on a familiar phrase that emerged from an ordinary pub conversation and opened up a deeper reflection on love, responsibility, meaning, boundaries and the hidden teachings inside life’s challenges..Drawing on the teachings of Ram Dass, the Buddhist story of the Two Monks at the river, nervous-system regulation, neurodivergent masking and the From Mask to Map framework, this episode asks:*Is this mine to carry, mine to support, or mine to witness?*Ashley explores why relationships and responsibilities can feel especially heavy for neurodivergent people - not only because of the person or situation itself, but because of the interpretive work involved: decoding unspoken expectations, monitoring tone and body language, absorbing emotional atmospheres, replaying conversations, masking while caring, and trying to work out what was meant rather than what was said.This episode also looks at how challenges can become information rather than evidence of failure. A meltdown, a trigger, a conflict, a repeated pattern or a moment of overwhelm may reveal a boundary, a sensory need, an old role, a place of exhaustion, or a part of ourselves asking for care.Without spiritualising harm or glorifying suffering, Ashley invites a more nuanced question:Where is the Buddha in this?The episode closes with The Path, the Pack and the Teacher, a guided practice for exploring what you are carrying, what may not be yours, and what wisdom might be ready to travel forward with you.Mindful Mondays is part of The Neurodivergent Experience on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.Find Ashley’s longer meditations, Yoga Nidras and Bedtime Alchemy stories on Insight Timer by searching Ashley Dupuy.Ashley is also putting together the particulars of her From Mask to Map coaching cohort beginning in September. More details will be on her website soon, but for now, you can register your interest by emailing *[integrativeiom@gmail.com](mailto:integrativeiom@gmail.com)*.Our Sponsors:🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring→ sophiejamesndmentoring.com🔗 Stay Connected:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Welcome to This Week in Autistic Culture!This week marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Autistic Culture Podcast Network as our weekly roundup evolves into a Sunday magazine podcast and newsletter that explores the stories, conversations, and ideas shaping Autistic culture.This week we’re discussing the FIFA World Cup, Taylor Swift, SZA’s autism diagnosis, the latest developments in autism research, and, of course, bringing you another fantastic week of podcasts from across the network.🎧 Start Here: Autistic Culture Radio📻 On Air This Week:Monday 13th July:Theatrically Authentic – Episode 4: Committing to the BitSarah Atherton-Knight and Simon Scott explore what it actually means to be a neurodivergent performer and committing to the bit — from auditions and rejection sensitivity to character building, hyperfocus, and the emotional intensity of stepping on stage.Mindful Mondays with Ashley Dupuy:Ashley returns with another mindful reflection and guided meditation to help neurodivergent listeners begin the week with intention and regulation.Tuesday 14th July:Drinking to Mask and Unmask - Episode 3: Masking Is RealChelsey Flood speaks with researcher Dr Laura Hull about the science of masking, the experiences that masking describes, and why having language for these behaviours mattersRegulation Station – Episode 4: Work the Way You AreBecca Engle is joined by neurodivergent business coach and former educator Megan Bonde to explore what happens when we stop trying to fit ourselves into systems that weren’t designed for us.Wednesday 15th July:Clinical Misfits - Episode 3: Exaggerated Immune ResponsesDr Mary explains how the autonomic nervous system and the immune system provide a protective net over the entire person.NEW SHOW - Two Mics No Masking - Episode 1: You’re Too Much / You’re Not EnoughIn the first episode of Two Mics, No Masking, Katie Scott and Jenna Goldstein explore one of the most familiar experiences for neurodivergent people: being told you’re simultaneously “too much” and “not enough.”Thursday 16th July:Autistic Rant Hour – Episode 5: Exact Sciences: Or Are They?Exact Sciences are things folks who consider themselves rational and logical assume can be trusted. And they would be, but scientists are only human, and some of them aren’t even autistic, gasp!The Neurodivergent Experience - Episode 119Jordan James and Simon Scott return for a conversation about the Neurodivergent Experience!Friday 17th July:Hot Topic Friday - A new discussion from The Neurodivergent Experience team, tackling a fresh topic from the world of neurodivergence.Collecting Fish – Episode 4: The Future of FishkeepingIn the final episode of this series of Collecting Fish, James Hepworth reflects on the current state of the aquarium hobby. From online education and captive breeding to social media, consumerism, and sustainability, this episode explores both the strengths and contradictions of modern fishkeeping.📚 From the Archive - Saturday 18th July:Autistic Culture Podcast Rewind – Apple is AutisticRewind with an Autistic Culture Podcast classic, as we re-run Apple is Autistic, exploring how Steve Jobs’ Autistic traits shaped Apple’s revolutionary successPlease rate, share and review our shows, as it helps them grow and reach more people! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this rewind episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP uncover the Autistic traits and cultural legacy of 18th-century poet Emily Dickinson.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How Dickinson’s obsessive love of reading and writing reflects classic Autistic special interests.Why her refusal to conform to gender norms and social expectations marks her as a cultural rebel.The significance of publishing only 10 poems in her lifetime while leaving behind a vast body of work that transformed literature.How her credo, “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant,” resonates with Autistic communication styles and honesty.Dickinson’s legacy of authenticity, healthy boundaries, and creative rule-breaking as a model for Autistic pride.Why her poetry continues to speak to Autistic readers navigating difference, resilience, and expression.Resources:Her Own Society: A new reading of Emily DickinsonPatrick Jasper Lee on Literary AutismEmily’s White Dresses

In this episode of Collecting Fish, James Hepworth explores the beauty, complexity, and controversy surrounding marine aquariums — from clownfish and coral reefs to the realities of recreating an ocean ecosystem at home. James examines:Reef tanks and fish-only marine systemsWater chemistry and salinityMarine filtration and live rockSustainable fishkeepingBeginner mistakesThe emotional pull of recreating an ocean ecosystem at home.Alongside practical advice for first-time marine hobbyists, James reflects on the ethical tensions within saltwater fishkeeping, including wild-caught fish, coral collection, environmental damage, and species unsuitable for most home aquariums.Blending practical guidance with personal reflection, this episode explores why marine fishkeeping continues to captivate hobbyists — despite the responsibility, expense, and uncertainty that comes with it.🐠 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com

In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss new research exploring how autistic people feel about genetic research—and why many support the science itself while remaining deeply concerned about how those discoveries could be used in the future. The conversation explores fears around genetic screening, prenatal testing, and the possibility that autism research could shift from understanding and supporting autistic people towards preventing autistic people from existing in the first place. Jordan and Simon reflect on why trust has been damaged within the autistic community and why transparency, ethics, and meaningful involvement of autistic people are essential in shaping future research. A passionate and thought-provoking conversation about genetics, ethics, trust, and the future of autism research.Our Sponsors:🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring→ sophiejamesndmentoring.com🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Content warning: mentions of self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and medical gaslightingWhat happens when you go to a mental health professional who has zero information about what it means when you, their patient, may be autistic? For this episode I was joined by Rey Rissanen (pronouns: they/them). Together we will rant and tell you about the horrors of needing help with our mental health, and instead of getting it, getting misdiagnosed, gaslighted and harmed by misinformed mental health professionals, and how great it is to finally realize you’re autistic and to learn to self-advocate in the mental health setting.Rey is an artist who creates beautiful crochet designs, including crochet stim toys and houseplants, and they’re also the one who came up with the idea for prepped.to, a platform for autistic folks to share locations’ sensory info and service instructions, and you can see their beautiful illustrations of their story on our blog. You can support Aut2Aut and its platform prepped.to on Betterplace and Gofundme, or buy our #ActuallyAutistic designs in our print-on-demand shop. Mentioned in this episode:Rey’s crochet designs: @rainbowrey.crafts and their art on InstagramAut2Aut, the nonprofit I founded, providing free platforms and content by and for autistic peopleprepped.to is the website I created where autistic folks can upload and consult sensory info and service instructions about places, so folks can prep and script before going thereHow to support my nonprofitTheme music composed and produced by Lir Lutau Shahar (pronouns: he/fae/sea): YouTube, Soundcloud. For collaborations: lutaoshzh@gmail.com Follow Dr. Gal Schkolnik on LinkedIn, Mastodon or Tumblr📢 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com