In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discusses the Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest, which is set in a video game development studio. The show features several characters who are coded as being on the autism spectrum, particularly the lead character Poppy Li, played by Charlotte Nicdao. The hosts analyze how Poppy's personality, interests, and behaviors align with common autistic traits.
“There are not only autistic traits and autistic culture represented, like clearly, in the show but also in the fan culture around the game.” —Matt
They discuss Poppy's backstory revealed in Season 3, where as a child she struggled to meet her parents' expectations around socializing and instead was passionate about video games like Final Fantasy. Her monotropic focus and subsequent tendency to approach challenges like a video game are highlighted.
The hosts also discuss other autistic-coded characters like Rachel, Dana, and Joe. They explore themes around autistic culture portrayed in the show, such as pursuing special interests, difficulty with allistic social cues and figurative language, and tensions between individual visions versus capitalist-driven corporate directives.
“We want a neurodiverse world. That is why we do not want all autistic people to be ‘cured,’ ‘fixed,’ or otherwise adulterated to please neurotypical people because you need us for your stone bridges, for your creation of calculus, for your understanding of bugs, for your world building. Like you need us but also, like, we need you—it is neurodiversity affirming not exclusive to autism. But, if we aren't the PR department for autism who is going to be? Because there's a lot of people trying to kill us.” —Angela
The hosts commend the show for its positive autistic representation through complex characters across a range of experiences and personalities. They contrast this to common negative stereotypes about autism. Overall, they recommend Mythic Quest as an insightful and entertaining look into autistic lives and culture.
Are you a gamer? What’s your favorite game? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Mythic Quest on Wikifandom
Tik Tok: Erin Rackham, PhD
Book (authored by Angela): The Equalizing Quill: 6 Ways Generative AI Can Boost Publication Access for Underrepresented Authors
Check out:
Episode 12: Parks & Rec is Autistic
Episode 43: Only Murders in the Building is Autistic
Episode 45: Bob’s Burgers is Autistic
Episode 57: Community is Autistic
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
Mythic Quest is Autistic (Episode 60)