Autistic Culture
The Autistic Culture Podcast
Wikipedia is Autistic (Episode 61)
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Wikipedia is Autistic (Episode 61)

Ableism in the workplace. See also: exploitation
A: Maximize your Autistic Euphoria. I love that. I love that we have access to that. I do feel sad for the neurotypicals…They're unable to really experience those things.

Wikipedia's Autistic Editors: Unsung Heroes and Exploitation in the Digital Knowledge Space

  • Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP discuss Wikipedia's reliance on autistic editors and volunteers, highlighting the platform's alignment with autistic strengths in organizing information and sharing special interests.

  • They explore how autistic traits like data hunger and justice sensitivity contribute to more inclusive and diverse content on Wikipedia.

  • The hosts examine tensions around defining "neutrality" in controversial topics, noting how autistic editors often focus on "what is right" rather than "who is right."

  • The podcast reveals concerning patterns of ableism within Wikimedia's management, including:

    • Harassment and discrimination against autistic employees

    • Mocking and demeaning autistic editors behind the scenes

    • Exploitation of free autistic labor while fundraising off their contributions

  • They discuss the case of "Jane," a former autistic Wikimedia employee who faced bullying after disclosing her autism diagnosis, leading to an EEOC complaint she later dropped due to burnout.

  • The hosts critique "A-Spectrumers" within the company who perpetuate internalized ableism and neuronormativity through bullying and use of functioning labels.

  • They urge listeners to support local Wikipedia chapter groups often run by autistics, rather than donating to Wikimedia's central fundraising efforts.

  • The podcast encourages privileged autistic individuals to become high-edit count editors to change Wikipedia's culture from within, while prioritizing mental health.

  • Overall, the episode explores the complex relationship between Wikipedia's autism-friendly platform and its problematic management practices, calling for greater recognition and fair treatment of autistic contributors.

How has ableism affected you in the work place? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!

Show notes and resources:

Wikipedia’s definition of ableism

How to become a Wikipedia editor

Wikipedia:WikiProject Autism

Thread: Autism Spectrum Wrongly Described In Wikipedia

Thread: Wikipedia likes us!

Wikipedia:High-functioning autism and Asperger's editors

Wikipedians with autism

Article: Wikipedia accused of bullying former autistic employee with claims of a toxic work culture

Village pump (miscellaneous)

Article: Alex St John’s Ideas About Game Development Are Terrifying

Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:

Episode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic

Episode 35: Sex is Autistic (Alfred Kinsey episode)

Episode 38: Productivity is Autistic

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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