Autistic Culture
The Autistic Culture Podcast
Chess is Autistic (Episode 31)
1
1
0:00
-1:09:46

Chess is Autistic (Episode 31)

Checkmate your assumptions as we explore the fascinating interplay between chess and Autistic Culture in this game-changing episode.
1
1
Listen to Autistic podcast hosts discuss: Chess is Autistic. Autism episodes | Checkmate your assumptions as we explore the fascinating interplay between chess and Autistic Culture in this game-changing episode. Learn about Autistic celebrities and one of the all-time most popular Autistic activities.

Autistic podcast hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, delve into the fascinating world of chess, exploring its profound connection to the Autistic community through the story of legendary chess player Bobby Fischer and the popular TV show, The Queen's Gambit.

Chess is considered a quintessential part of Autistic culture, much like trains or Star Trek. The intricate, strategic nature of chess captivates Autistic children, teens, and adults, drawing them into a realm where deep focus and pattern recognition are highly rewarded.

“And I know for me, a lot of my drive to success in all things is, I've known I have this intense and eccentric and unlikable personality.  So, I'm going to prove my value with my accomplishments…That doesn't always work, and I'm always shocked.” –Angela

Bobby Fischer was a chess prodigy who showed many traits common to people on the autism spectrum, like intense focus, a preference for logic/rules, and differences socializing. He became World Chess Champion in 1972, defeating the Soviets during the Cold War era.

The fictional character Beth Harmon from The Queen's Gambit was loosely based on Fischer. Harmon navigates the complexities of life and chess while exhibiting traits that resonate with many Autistic individuals.

Autistic traits like strong pattern recognition, bottom-up thinking, inductive reasoning, and monotropic focus lend themselves well to excelling at chess. Chess doesn’t ask players to make small talk, but instead focuses on strategy and problem solving, allowing Autistics to socialize in an authentic and culturally appropriate way.

“When you find the Autistic community, when you find people who get you, you can be a delightful human being and talk about all the interesting things that you want to talk about. And they'll say, ‘Oh, my, what a wealth of information that was. I love that info dump!’” –Matt

Highly talented Autistic chess players exemplify the Autistic culture virtues of pursuing excellence through interests, valuing fairness and morality, and respecting an opponent's strategic skills.

On this captivating virtual culture trip, the podcast hosts uncover the deep-rooted connection between chess, Bobby Fischer, The Queen's Gambit, and the Autistic community, celebrating the power and beauty of neurodiversity through the timeless game of strategy.

Do you love chess or other strategy games? Tell us all about it!

Looking for more Autistic activities and pastimes? Check out…Episode 16: Pokemon is Autistic and Episode 39: Dungeons & Dragons is Autistic

Or more Autsitic characters? Check out…Episode 12: Parks and Rec is Autistic

Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Share

autistic podcast merchautistic podcast merchautistic podcast merch
See these designs and more in our merch shop! (link above)

Discussion about this podcast

Autistic Culture
The Autistic Culture Podcast
Welcome to the Autistic Culture Podcast. Each episode we dive deep into Autistic contributions to society and culture by introducing you to some of the world’s most famous and successful Autistics in history!
Whether you are Autistic or just love someone who is, your hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria, the Linguistic Autistic and Licensed Psychological Practitioner, Matt Lowry, welcome you to take this time to be fully immersed in the language, values, traditions, norms, and identity of Autistica!
To learn more about Angela, Matt, and the Autistic Culture Podcast visit AutisticCulturePodcast.com