CHAPTER 10: WELCOME TO AUTISTICA

Early Access to Chapter 10 of Dr. Angela Kingdon's memoir and self-identification guide, Am I Actually Autistic? for Sustaining Supporters The Autistic Culture Podcast

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’ve crossed into something bigger than diagnosis. You’re not just Autistic. You’re part of a people. A culture. A history that was buried under decades of clinical coldness and stereotypes, but has always been there, waiting to be reclaimed.

This chapter isn’t about tests or trauma—it’s about belonging. It’s about throwing off the heavy mask and stepping into the world as your full, weird, wonderful self. We open with a concept borrowed from W.E.B. Du Bois—double consciousness—to frame the tension many of us feel as we juggle the person we are and the one the world expects us to be. But from there, we move into myth.

Exploring the ten pillars of Autistic culture, you will also be given 101 reasons to be absolutely and extravagantly proud that you are Autistic.

From world-building and deep pattern recognition to justice sensitivity and superfan loyalty, this isn’t about symptoms—it’s about belonging. So, pull up a chair and enjoy your official welcoming party. We’ve been saving you a seat! You’re here now. Let’s blow the horns and celebrate.

You’re not a broken neurotypical. You are a Badass Neuroswan. And this? This is your invitation to Autistica—where the lights are softer, the questions are welcome, and the masks are finally, gloriously gone.