An episode that is not about inflexibility—it’s about emotional safety, sensory regulation, and being authentically ourselves in a world that often feels chaotic!
In Episode 147 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 8 of Autistic Culture: Predictably Comforting, with special guest Daria Brown, author of We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood.
Daria Brown has a Master’s degree in Personality and Social Psychology. She has worked in the field of research, evaluation, and education for over 30 years at universities, not-for-profits, and government.
Together, they discuss why predictability, routine, and familiarity are not only comforting but essential in autistic lives.
This episode is especially meaningful for autistic listeners, families, and advocates who want to gain a deeper understanding of why consistency matters so deeply in autistic culture.
Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:
Autistic Brains Crave Predictability
Our nervous systems seek regulation over novelty. Familiar patterns reduce overwhelm and foster inner peace.Routine as Emotional Safety
Autistic routines—like watching the same show, eating familiar foods, or repeating daily rituals—aren’t rigid. They’re tools for stability, helping manage emotional and sensory overload.Cultural Examples of Comforting Predictability
Thomas the Tank Engine’s structured stories
Dino Nuggets’ consistent texture and taste
Andy Warhol’s daily green underwear and soup-can art
Repetition as a Strength, Not a Symptom
From stimming to re-watching favorite shows, repetition brings grounding comfort. It supports emotional regulation and fosters creativity.
💬 Autistic Culture Deep Dive:
🔄 Comfort in Repetition: Songs, foods, media, and routines provide grounding.
🌀 Stimming as Predictable Movement: A soothing way to regulate sensory input.
⚠️ Expectation Sensitivity: Transitions disrupt our “knowns,” causing emotional friction.
👕 Sameness Reduces Anxiety: Wearing the same clothes, and eating familiar meals—it’s not about control, it’s about coherence.
🚫 Resistance to Change ≠ Defiance: It’s self-protection against sensory/emotional overload.
💭 For folks listening who maybe don’t crave predictability or know how to, how can you lean into the comfort of repetition on their terms?
Lean-in Tips
🧠 Lean In / 🎭 Mask
Stick to your routines.
🧠 Lean in: Use rituals to ground your day.
🎭 Mask: Force yourself to “be spontaneous” and spiral.Wear your sensory favorites.
🧠 Lean in: Rewear the same soft hoodie 3x a week.
🎭 Mask: Rotate outfits to meet fashion norms.Eat your safe foods.
🧠 Lean in: Pack the same lunch for a month.
🎭 Mask: Try new foods at lunch and go dysregulated.Watch or read repeats.
🧠 Lean in: Rewatch the same series at bedtime for comfort.
🎭 Mask: Force yourself to find “something new” and lose sleep.Build in transition time.
🧠 Lean in: Use alarms, cues, or scripts to ease task switches.
🎭 Mask: Jump tasks on command and burn out.Set up sensory consistency.
🧠 Lean in: Control lighting, sound, and scent in your spaces.
🎭 Mask: Tolerating discomfort to avoid seeming high-maintenance.Respect your “no change zones.”
🧠 Lean in: Keep your desk, bedroom, or car the same.
🎭 Mask: Rearrange to please others and feel lost.Plan downtime after the chaos.
🧠 Lean in: Schedule recovery time after travel or visitors.
🎭 Mask: Fill the calendar and crash emotionally.Use comfort objects without shame.
🧠 Lean in: Hug your stuffed animal. Use your fidget.
🎭 Mask: Hide them to seem “grown up.”Let sameness be sacred.
🧠 Lean in: Say “I like it this way.”
🎭 Mask: Apologies for not being “flexible.”
So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.
We’re saving you a seat!
This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “Where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!
Resources:
Connect with Affect Autism
📖 Daria’s Book: We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood
🎧 Podcast: Affect Autism Podcast
📺 YouTube: Affect Autism YouTube Channel
📸 Instagram: @affectautism
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/affectautism
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @affectautism
Related Episodes:
Dino Nuggets (Ep 21)
Dino Nuggets are predictably comforting because they deliver the exact same taste, texture, and shape every time, making them the ultimate safe food for sensory-sensitive eaters.Thomas the Tank Engine (Ep 22)
Thomas is predictably comforting with its repetitive story arcs, familiar characters, and a structured world where everyone has a clear role and routine.Sunglasses (Ep 66)
Sunglasses provide a comforting sensory shield, creating a visual boundary that brings predictability to chaotic or overstimulating environments.Cats (Ep 46)
Cats offer predictably comforting companionship through rhythmic purring, consistent routines, and nonverbal bonding that doesn’t demand masking.Bluey (Ep 72)
Bluey is comforting for its gentle pacing, repeatable life lessons, and consistent family structure where emotional regulation is modeled and respected.Beauty and the Beast (Ep 34)
Beauty and the Beast provides comfort in its clear narrative structure, familiar musical themes, and the sensory richness of a cozy castle full of routines and enchantment.Anne of Green Gables (Ep 107)
Anne’s world is predictably comforting with its pastoral setting, repeated rituals of school and seasons, and deep attachment to places and routines.Andy Warhol (Ep 33)
Andy Warhol found comfort in repetition, from Campbell’s soup cans to daily routines, transforming sameness into stability and art.The Law (Ep 115)
The legal system, for all its flaws, offers comforting predictability through written rules, procedural steps, and structures that promise (or at least attempt) order
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