By popular request, a minisode (mini-episode)! TACP’s Actually Autistic podcast hosts, Matt Lowry, LPP, and Dr. Angela Lauria, provide updates relating to Dungeons & Dragons, Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Sherlock Holmes.
Angela and Matt discuss Autistic actor Peter Cushing, who connects all four interests popular among people on the autism spectrum (and provides additional insights about Autistic productivity). Cushing starred in two 1960s Doctor Who films, played Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars, portrayed Sherlock Holmes, and was an avid player of the H.G. Wells game "War," which inspired Dungeons & Dragons.
The hosts share how Cushing handcrafted over 2,000 miniature soldiers and models for playing "War." Which speaks to Autistic Culture’s love of collecting, and skills with modeling, strategy games, and imaginative play.
Matt and Angela discuss how poor mental health led to a “SPIN drop”: when Autistic people lose connection with a SPIN or special interest (a part of who we are), and experience intense grief similar to experiencing a death.
Angela: And so when you lose a SPIN, it is like losing a part of yourself.
Matt: Yeah, these things make us who we are. These things help us with our identity.
Cushing’s story speaks to Autistic individuals and exemplifies Autistic Culture through his creative hobbies, special interests, and impressive collections.
Do you want more minisodes? What do you want to hear Matt or Angela give a quick infodump on?
The Peter Cushing Association Facebook group
Want to learn about more Autistic activities? Episode 39: Dungeons & Dragons is Autistic
Why do Autistics work in bursts? Check out Episode 38: Productivity is Autistic
One of the Autistic community’s favorite Autistic characters: Episode 30: Doctor Who is Autistic
What does an Autism-friendly workplace look like? Episode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic
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Update on Doctor Who, D&D, Sherlock, and Star Wars (Episode 40: Minisode #1)