In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discussed their love for the television show Community, which they consider an "Autistic love fest." They praised the show's protagonist Abed Nadir, played by Danny Pudi, as possibly the greatest Autistic character in TV history. Abed is canonically autistic on the show, and he embraces his identity without wishing to be neurotypical.
“Danny understands this and portrays it so well and so accurately without a hint of pity. He does not want to be neurotypical.” —Matt
The hosts talked about how the show's creator Dan Harmon realized he is on the autism spectrum himself as an adult while writing Abed.
The evolution of the relationships between the study group friends like Troy and Abed is explored, with the hosts praising how the show allows the characters to "unmask" and become more authentically themselves over time. Danny Pudi’s ability to accurately portray Abed's autistic mannerisms and traits are highlighted.
The hosts denounce common incorrect stereotypes about autistic people, like the idea they lack empathy or desire social connections. Matt and Angela celebrate the positive representation of Autistic culture in Community and contrast it with Sheldon Cooper and The Big Bang Theory.
“So it's a uniquely Autistic-centered—celebrating Autistic culture, celebrating Autistic heritage, celebrating the autistic mindset. Whereas Big Bang Theory, it's a laugh track constantly. The punchline is always autism.” —Matt
Details about the show's production are shared, including how Chevy Chase caused creator Dan Harmon to be fired for a period, leading to a poorly received 4th season under new allistic showrunners. The highly anticipated upcoming Community movie is discussed, including plot details revealed by Donald Glover about it being a reunion documentary.
Overall, Community is highly recommended by Matt and Angela as a show created by and for Autistics.
Which Community character do you relate to most? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
A couple of those online autism quizzes we discussed:
Show notes and resources:
Damian Milton - double empathy problem
Article: Eye on Emmy: Community‘s Danny Pudi on Abed’s Impressions, Marvel Gigs
Video: Dan Harmon talks about Asperger's syndrome - Why Abed is a shaman
Video: Danny Pudi on Why He Is Not Abed Nadir
Article: Community’s Dan Harmon Discovered He Had Asperger’s While Writing Abed’s Character
Article: The Secret World of Imagination Hidden in Autism
Article: Community Q&A: Danny Pudi on Abed’s Growth, Losing Troy, and All Those Frisbees
Article: Dan Harmon Discusses His New Documentary, Addiction, and Going to Therapy
Article: Danny Pudi On Living With Asperger’s: ‘I’m Just Trying To Be Honest About Who I Am’
Documentary: Harmontown
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 32: Animation is Autistic
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis
Episode 39: Dungeons and Dragons is Autistic
Episode 48: Child-to-Parent Diagnostic Pipeline
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels as well as the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 57: Community is Autistic