In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Matt Lowry reads his original story "The Legend of Autistica," which serves as an origin myth for Autistic culture. Designed for children, the story appeals to teens and adults too!
The story depicts a land ruled by Emperor Nero Typicles, where people are forced to mask their true selves and “Always Behave Always”—a metaphor for the harms of prescribing ABA for autism.
“He issued clay masks to be worn at all times. These masks bore the rictus grins of the dead, and every citizen of the empire was expected to wear these heavy smiles in every situation, every single day.” —Matt
An Autistic warrior named Autismix, aided by a dragon named Thundercore, leads a rebellion to create the land of Autistica where neurodiversity is embraced. Autismix eventually grows old, and Thundercore vows to continue his mission of finding and welcoming Autistic individuals from across the world.
The podcast hosts reflect on the story's themes of authentic self-expression, community, representation, and embracing the autism spectrum and other neurological differences. They encourage listeners to share the story to increase positive portrayals of autism and provide healing counter-narratives to dominant medical model views.
“We are often judged by the allistic people for these very reasons. And there's so much pathology about autism as being a quote ‘medical diagnosis’ instead of as a culture, as a way of our people. And I do see us as a people.” —Matt
This episode centers around the oral telling of an allegorical Autistic origin story, intended to empower the audience through its imagery and messaging.
What does the Legend of Autistica mean to you? Tell us in the comments!
Show notes and resources:
The Legend of Autistica on Matt’s website.
Related episodes:
Episode 23: Dimensions of Autistic Culture
Want more kid-friendly Autistic characters? Check out Episode 22: Trains are 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. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 25: The Legend of Autistica