An episode that plays around with the rules!
In Episode 106 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive deep into neurodivergent parenting, autistic self-understanding, and autism advocacy with special guest Meghan Ashley, LPC-S — an autistic licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author of the acclaimed book Blueprint to Behavior.
Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:
Why Autism Advocacy Begins at Home
The importance of creating affirming environments for autistic kids and parents.
Building an accommodations plan post-diagnosis to support thriving, not just surviving.
How internalized ableism affects both autistic children and their neurodivergent parents.
Meghan Ashley’s Mission to End Parent Confusion
Meghan is leading a revolution in autism parent education.
Her goal? That this generation of autistic children will be the last to grow up misunderstood.
Why ABA therapy often causes harm—and how parents can choose neurodivergent-affirming alternatives.
Inside Meghan's Book: Blueprint to Behavior
A practical guide for parenting autistic children, focused on understanding rather than "fixing."
How to read your child’s nonverbal cues, support their sensory needs, and meet them where they are.
This is the go-to autism book for parents questioning ABA or seeking deeper insight into their child’s behavior.
Navigating Autism as a Parent and a Person
Many parents realize they’re autistic only after their child’s diagnosis. Meghan speaks to that unique, layered experience.
Learn how to reparent your younger autistic self while parenting your neurodivergent child.
Meghan’s innovative assessment approach includes childhood photos, special interests, and reflection, not just checklists.
Cultural Competence & Black Autistic Identity
Meghan shares her perspective as a Black autistic woman in America.
She highlights the dangers of ABA in Black communities and the urgent need for culturally competent autism care.
Late Diagnosis, Sensory Support & Living Your Best Autistic Life
Why autistic people need to carry accommodations like sensory tools, sunglasses, and communication supports.
Understanding burnout, masking, and skill regression—and why self-advocacy is key.
Living authentically and unapologetically in a world not built for neurodivergent people.
📚 Grab Meghan’s Book:
🔗 Blueprint to Behavior by Meghan Ashley, LPC-S
Amazon Link
This autism parenting book is filled with tools, examples, and insights to help you understand your autistic child’s behavior and support them with compassion and clarity. It’s also a gentle mirror for late-diagnosed parents to begin recognizing their own neurodivergence.
👤 About Meghan Ashley, LPC-S (She/Her)
Licensed in Texas, Meghan is a proudly autistic therapist, TED speaker, and lifelong learner. She empowers clients to embrace their authenticity and is especially passionate about supporting autistic adults, parents, and families. When she’s not advocating or counseling, she’s rocking Disney soundtracks, exploring new cities, or designing t-shirts.
Follow Meghan and explore her work at meghanashley.com
“That is the purpose of all this bombardment - to disrupt us, to disrupt communities, to disrupt functioning so that people can’t formulate a way to stand up for themselves, because it’s much easier to control people if you don’t have a community. If you disrupt community, if you disrupt basic human rights, it’s much easier to control people.” - Matt Lowry LPP
“[When you get an autism diagnosis], choirs of angels don’t show up on your doorstep when you get home. You actually have to do something with the diagnosis. You don’t get a prescription.” - Dr Angela Kingdon
“I absolutely don’t say you should be more normal. You should be more autistic, is what I say. If the world was more autistic, then things would probably run better, and it wouldn’t be as, you know, *dumpster fire*.” - Meghan Ashley, LPC-S
Did you enjoy this episode? Our special guest, Meghan Ashley, shares her insights on parenting autistic children and embracing neurodivergence. We explore the challenges of understanding sensory needs, creating accommodations, and how to live authentically as neurodivergent individuals. Meghan also reflects on her experience as a Black autistic person in America and the importance of safe, respectful support for Black autistic children. In the comments, let us know what resonated with you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!
Show Notes:
🎤 Meghan’s TED Talk:
📘 Book – Blueprint to Behavior:
A practical guide for understanding autistic children’s communication and behavior.
Available on Amazon UK
🧰 Autism Toolkits & Resources:
Support materials for autistic individuals and families: adaptingtoautism.com
Related Episodes:
Child-to-Parent Diagnostic Pipeline
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Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com
Our Autism-affirming merch shop
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