In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
On this virtual culture trip, we’re boldly going where no podcast has gone before! Listen in as Autistic podcast hosts discuss Star Trek’s many Autistic characters—likely due to Autistic writers shaping the stories. Spock is highlighted as a seminal example.
Autistics use their special interests to communicate, find community, and understand the world around them. While an allistic person may view themselves as a fan of a hobby, television show, or fictional universe, Star Trek fans demonstrate what fandom looks like when embraced by Autistic culture.
“We connect with the alien, we connect with the robot, we connect with the other, because we live in a world that does not accept or understand us.” —Matt
Animals play an important role in Autistic culture, providing emotional regulation and sensory soothing input—perfect for sensory seekers and sensory avoiders alike! Data's cat Spot illustrates this bond.
Autistic’s sharing their perspectives is often seen as "being difficult" by allistics (as children or adults), but in Autistic culture offering a different view point is considered engaging and insightful. This relates to the "double empathy problem."
“So I would say our our culture, from our perspective, is about going deep and challenging traditional assumptions and having very detailed nuanced conversations…I think the way our culture is perceived by allistics is like defensive, difficult, argumentative—a lot of those things.” —Angela
Autistics tend to question power structures and rules. Star Trek themes often explore bucking the system for moral reasons (we love some social advocacy!). Special interests and "info dumping" are central to Autistic culture. Conventions allow sharing niche interests. Star Trek super-fandom demonstrates this. Star Trek creates a hopeful future where outsiders like Autistics can find belonging. The franchise's optimism resonates with the goals of Autism awareness and Autism acceptance.
On this culture trip, the podcast hosts, Angela and Matt, share examples of Autistic perspectives on society and their own super-fan tendencies, modeling embracing their Autistic identities openly. Star Trek's themes of social justice and logical outsider characters have cultivated a strong Autistic fanbase. Listen in as the hosts discuss how the sci-fi show represents key aspects of Autistic culture.
Which Star Trek series or character is your favorite? Tell us about it in the comments!
Show Notes & Resources:
For Autistic People, Star Trek Can be a Lens Into the World
Related episodes…Do you want more Autistic characters and Autistic sci-fi shows? Check out: Episode 28: Superheroes are Autistic and Episode 30: Doctor Who is Autistic
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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 10: Star Trek is Autistic