Episode 5: Autistic Identity vs. Diagnosis, and Comic Con
Update: 2025-08-01
Description
This week's episode, we’re diving headfirst into autistic identity—what it means, how it differs from a medical diagnosis, and why the DSM criteria kind of miss the point. We’re also calling out the neurotypical gatekeeping that makes getting a diagnosis way harder than it needs to be.
Here’s what we get into:
- Why you’re still autistic even if no doctor has “stamped” it
- How the DSM is loaded with ableism—and Matt’s affirming way to reframe it
- Echolalia, stimming, and our love of routines (yes, even Taylor Swift on repeat)
- Comic-Con vibes to Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic
As always, it’s part theory, part lived experience, and a whole lot of geeky tangents—because we’re not here to fit into neurotypical boxes.
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