An episode that figured out it was in a cult!
In Episode 129 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we’re talking about cults and extremist religious movements in autistic culture. We’re joined by Jude Mills, an autistic theologian and former hospice chaplain, and host of Fkd up by faith, whose research and lived experience offer us an inside look at why this isn’t just a trauma story—it’s a culture story.
Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:
Why do so many of us Autistics find ourselves in Cults? Why do we stay?
The same traits that can make autistic folks susceptible to cults—intense focus, logical systems, emotional honesty—also show up in the leaders of these movements. But what does it mean when the very systems that exploit autistic people are often built by someone with autistic traits?
What happens to your SPIN when it used to be Jesus or Revelation or prophecy? Do you mourn it? Rework it?
What does the journey out look like for most people? What’s uniquely hard for autistic folks?
Jude Mills’ Bio
Jude Mills is an interfaith Minister and spiritual counsellor, ordained with One Spirit Interfaith Foundation in 2020. Fkd Up By Faith – Healing Conversations for Those Hurt by Religion, is a podcast where they explore the deeply personal and often challenging stories of people who’ve been hurt by their faith but have found hope, healing, reconciliation, or forgiveness—whether within their faith traditions or beyond them.
Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about Cults and Extremist religious movements in autistic culture — from the intense focus and logical systems to emotional honesty. Getting out doesn’t mean you failed. It means you got free. And when you walk away from a belief system that demanded your masking in exchange for conditional love, you’re not just walking away—you’re walking home! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!
Resources:
Richard Turner - a UK based autistic counsellor (and cult survivor) who specialises in cults and cult recovery: https://www.tothinkagain.co.uk/about
Ashlen Hilliard is a very cool US based person who specialises in cult recovery: https://www.peopleleavecults.com/
The websites of Alexandra Stein and Janja Lallich both have reading lists and links and resources for all things cult: https://www.alexandrastein.com & https://janjalalich.com
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