Episode description

"The Good Place": A Neurodiversity-Affirming Haven in Television

* Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP explore the numerous autistic themes and characters in the TV show "The Good Place."

* They analyze Chidi's character as strongly autistic-coded, noting his special interests, process complexity, concrete thinking, anxiety, and adherence to personal morality.

* Eleanor is discussed as potentially autistic, with traits like direct communication, perspective-taking challenges, and a background of trauma common in late-diagnosed autistic women.

* Jason's character is explored through the lens of ADHD, which has significant overlap with autism, showcasing monotropic focus and passionate interests.

* The AI Janet's evolution is compared to an autistic unmasking journey, as she develops preferences beyond her original programming.

* Tahani's character is examined in light of masking exhaustion, with the hosts noting actor Jameela Jamil's real-life conditions often co-occurring with autism.

* Michael's character traits are analyzed for autistic tendencies, including his fascination with humans and preference for concrete examples.

* The hosts praise "The Good Place" for its diverse representation of neurodivergence and insightful portrayal of autistic experiences, viewing the show's focus on moral philosophy as inherently autistic in nature.

* Overall, the podcast celebrates "The Good Place" as a neurodiversity-affirming series that resonates deeply with autistic viewers and their experiences.

Starting around 53:24 Angela spontaneously demonstrates which aspects of Autistic Culture? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!

Book: How to Be Perfect by Michael Schur

Video: How to be perfect with "The Good Place" creator Michael Schur

Article: Chidi Anagonye, the Autistic Nerd Character Done Right

Article: How The Good Place taught moral philosophy to its characters — and its creators

Article: 5 Moral Philosophy Concepts Featured on The Good Place

TikTok: Character analysis It’s literally all of them

TikTok: Chidi Autistic traits analysis

TikTok: Chidi - I love this line

TikTok: I relate to Janet so much

YouTube: The Good Place - The Trolley Problem (Episode Highlight)

Episode 12: Parks & Rec is Autistic

Book Club #05: How to be Perfect

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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

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*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 as well as the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.