Autistic Culture
The Autistic Culture Podcast
Bob's Burgers is Autistic (Episode 45)
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Bob's Burgers is Autistic (Episode 45)

An animated series about an Autistic family? Oh my baby!
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Listen to Autistic podcast hosts discuss: Bob's Burgers. Autism podcast | An animated series about Autistic characters in an Autistic family? Oh, my baby!
A: It is pun central, puntastic. M: And again, that is the humor of our people. A: We do. I love it. I love it. I can't get enough.

Neurodiversity on the Menu: Exploring Autistic Representation in "Bob's Burgers"

  • Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP analyze the TV show "Bob's Burgers" and how its characters embody aspects of Autistic culture and experiences.

  • They examine the various Autistic traits exhibited by the main characters, such as:

    • Tina's Autistic accent, people-pleasing tendencies, and passionate interest in horses

    • Gene's deep need for musical expression, echolalia, and sensory-seeking behaviors

    • Louise's Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA), monotropic focus, and preference for wearing the same clothes

  • The hosts discuss how the show provides nuanced, humanized portrayals of Autistic characters, in contrast to stereotypical representations found in other media.

  • They highlight relatable Autistic experiences depicted in the show, such as special interests, social differences, meltdowns, and how the Belcher family navigates life together.

  • The hosts believe the creator of "Bob's Burgers" intentionally includes Autistic characters based on their previous work, and that the show normalizes Autistic traits rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

  • Overall, the analysis demonstrates how "Bob's Burgers" offers valuable representation and relatability for the Autistic community, serving as a sitcom about an Autistic family that resonates with many neurodivergent viewers.

*For the superfans out there: Yes, Matt gets a little caught up in the excitement of info dumping and calls Louise, ‘Tina’—it happens! TACP is dedicated to AUTHENTIC Autistic representation and this is an excellent example of how Autistics can forget things that allistics think we ‘should’ remember, especially when routines are off and social obligations are high—such as during the holiday season, when this episode was recorded. Autistics forgetting things isn’t a sign that we ‘don’t care’—Matt clearly cares a great deal about the show and its characters. It’s just a sign that we’re dealing with a lot at the moment and could use a little extra understanding and acceptance. #AutisticCultureCatch

Angela shares about a viral discussion that got started because of an online review. In the comments, tell us which Autistic strengths make us naturally exceptional reviewers and what YOU would be especially good at reviewing.

Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

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Autistic Culture
The Autistic Culture Podcast
Welcome to the Autistic Culture Podcast. Each episode we dive deep into Autistic contributions to society and culture by introducing you to some of the world’s most famous and successful Autistics in history!
Whether you are Autistic or just love someone who is, your hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria, the Linguistic Autistic and Licensed Psychological Practitioner, Matt Lowry, welcome you to take this time to be fully immersed in the language, values, traditions, norms, and identity of Autistica!
To learn more about Angela, Matt, and the Autistic Culture Podcast visit AutisticCulturePodcast.com