Welcome to This Week in Autistic Culture
This week, Angela and Simon dive into a growing debate about neurodiversity language. Are terms like neurodivergent, neurodiverse and Autistic becoming blurred together — and does that matter? Responding to new research questioning how broadly neurodiversity terminology is used, they explore why umbrella terms can be incredibly useful, where specificity still matters, and what we lose when very different neurotypes and experiences are treated as interchangeable.
For our second excavation into the Autistic Culture Archive, Simon is taking Angela to Arrakis. Using the Ten Pillars of Autistic Culture as their guide, they dig into Frank Herbert’s Dune, uncovering extraordinary world-building, systems within systems, pattern-matching, passionate superfanning and a fictional universe that rewards you for wanting to know absolutely everything about it.
By the end, there’s only one question left: is Dune Autistic culture?
And if our trip to Arrakis leaves you wanting to dig even deeper, you can explore the full Dune Field Report in the Autistic Culture Archive, where Simon brings together the research, evidence, rabbit holes and connections to the Ten Pillars that couldn’t fit into the show — and, as always, you can add your own field notes, because the archive is never finished!
As always, we’ll take you through everything coming up across the Autistic Culture Podcast Network this week!
This Week’s Topics:
Using ‘neurodivergent’ as a catch‑all term is problematic – here’s why
Should you say ‘autistic person’ or ‘person with autism’? Here’s how language has changed
📻 On Air This Week:
Monday 12th October
Mindful Mondays with Ashley Dupuy
Ashley returns with another mindful reflection and guided meditation to help neurodivergent listeners begin the week with intention and regulation.
Tuesday 13th October
NEW SHOW - AI and Autism
Episode 1: Can AI Keep Up With an Autistic Brain?
In the first episode of AI and Autism, Bre Ransome is joined by writer Madison Kirby (Madii Bee), who recently identified as Autistic while navigating several major changes in her life — the loss of her stepfather, the end of a relationship and moving back into her childhood home at 30.
Together, Bre and Madii explore the possibilities and limitations of using AI as a neurodivergent person. They also discuss using AI during periods of isolation, wearable technology such as the Oura Ring to better understand stress responses, and the pressure to reach some imagined “rock bottom” before allowing yourself to recognise your needs or seek support.
Wednesday 14th October
The Neurocomplex Creative - Season 2 Episode 6: The First Pancake
In this episode of The Neurocomplex Creative, Vicki Peterson reunites with playwright and theatre educator Jared Eberlein, whom she met as part of the very first cohort of a low-residency MFA program in New Hampshire.
Together, they look back on becoming friends while raising young children, developing their craft and navigating the intensity of an experimental new program. Vicki also reflects on that experience through a neurocomplex lens, recognising how hyperfocus allowed her to meet its creative demands while her need for downtime, regulation and support remained largely invisible.
Clinical Misfits - Season 2 Episode 4: Why Is Chronic Pain So Common in Neurodivergent People?
In this episode of Clinical Misfits, Dr Mary explores chronic pain and its relationship with the neurodivergent nervous system. She breaks down different types of pain, from superficial and deep pain to visceral and nerve pain, and considers the role of interoception and the autonomic nervous system in how pain is experienced and processed.
Thursday 15th October
The Neurodivergent Experience - Episode 131
Jordan James and Simon Scott return for a conversation about the Neurodivergent Experience!
📚 From the Archive - Friday 16th October
Autistic Culture Podcast Rewind – Comedy is Autistic
In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP, explore the powerful memoirs of two acclaimed autistic comedians: Hannah Gadsby (10 Steps to Nanette) from Tasmania and Fern Brady (Strong Female Character) from Scotland.
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