An episode that turns the hands of time.
In Episode 118 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela take a deep dive into how executive functioning changes over time—and why traditional advice doesn’t work for autistic people.
Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:
The evolving demands of executive functioning for autistic adults, from brushing your teeth to managing rent, driving, and juggling digital subscriptions.
Why “just use a calendar” doesn’t cut it—and how unsolicited neurotypical advice ignores the reality of autistic brain function.
The connection between executive dysfunction and autistic inertia, and how body doubling can support task initiation.
The challenges of masking in professional environments, and why autistic adults often reach a point where authenticity is survival.
Matt and Angela share their unmasking journeys, offering insight into reclaiming identity and building an autistic life that works.
We discuss common autistic comorbid conditions like POTS, PMDD, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and how they complicate daily functioning.
The impact of trauma, CPTSD, and the under-discussed intersection of autism and menopause—how hormonal shifts can exacerbate executive dysfunction and emotional regulation.
“When you get older and you have the kids and you have the house and you have the job and the responsibilities - that’s when the executive functioning fails.” - Matt Lowry LPP
“This is also a reason why the unemployment rate for autistics is much higher than for neurotypicals. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad person. It doesn’t mean that you’re lazy. It doesn’t mean that you don’t have intellectual functioning ability. It’s just that you’re working with a lot more system requirements. You can’t play the game that other people play because your PC is maxed out with all these other system requirements and other people aren’t.” - Matt Lowry LPP
Did you enjoy this episode? We explored executive functioning in autistic lives, from shifting responsibilities as we age to the impact of masking, comorbid conditions, and trauma. Tune in as we discuss strategies like body doubling and unmasking, and share your thoughts using #AutisticCultureCatch!
Resources:
Explore studies and resources on the relationship between brain glucose levels, autism, and ADHD symptoms:
Study: Blood glucose and neurobehavioral function – PubMed (1985)
Study: Glucose tolerance in children with learning and behavioral disorders – PubMed (1986)
Article: The Potential Impact of Brain Glucose Levels on ADHD Symptoms – ADD Resource Center
Article: The Complexities of Aging: Addressing the Unique Needs of Autistic Elders
A thoughtful exploration of how aging impacts autistic individuals and what supports are still lacking.
🔗 Read on Autism Spectrum News
🎥 Shared Stories, Shared Experiences: International Research on Autism and Menopause
AIDE Canada presents this insightful webinar featuring global research and lived experiences around autism and hormonal transitions.
🔗 Watch the webinar on AIDE Canada
Related Episodes:
Productivity is Autistic
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