In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Podcast hosts, Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Lauria, discuss Neil Gaiman and his recent post identifying himself as autistic. Topics include:
Interception difficulties, etymology fun, and how left-handedness relates to autism.
Gaiman’s prolific writing including: “Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion,” “Good Omens,” “Constantine,” “Coraline,” “Doom Patrol,” “Stardust,” and “Babylon 5.”
Sandman: one of the first graphic novels to reach the NYT Best Seller’s List. Plus, how Neil Gaiman welcomed a whole new demographic (women) to comic books.
Amanda Palmer: Gaiman’s chaotic, quirky, punk, ex-wife who might just be a high masking autistic woman.
Bonus: Neil Gaiman’s surprising best friend!
Episode Quotes:
“He brought a newfound legitimacy to comics.” —Matt
“It became very, very ethereal and created this grand mythology that was beyond what other comic writers were doing at the time and created a giant template that brought in a whole new audience.” —Matt
“This issue was the first and only comic to ever win the World Fantasy Award for short fiction in 1991, before they changed the rules to make sure comics could never win it again. He broke the system to where they had to patch the hole, because he’s so good.” —Matt
“If you are autistic—especially as a woman—and you have been masking and scrounging to survive, often there is trauma associated with it.” —Angela
“But, I think a lot of it is a trauma response of not knowing how to love her neurodivergent brain.” —Angela
Are you “Team Gaiman” or “Team Palmer”? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Neil Gaiman’s Tumblr
ONTD Original: A timeline of Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer's relationship
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 19: Eminem is Autistic
Episode 28: Superheroes are Autistic
Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic
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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 and 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 65: Neil Gaiman is Autistic