This episode challenges the traditional “puzzle piece” symbol for autism and the idea that autistic people are mysterious or incomplete. Drawing from films like Kaleidoscope of the Plushies (from when I applied for film school), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and The Croods, I suggest more colorful, dynamic ways of seeing neurodivergent identity. Autistic people are not missing pieces– they are meant to be seen and heard as whole, vibrant, and omnidirectional. A lot of people out there have got to do a cleanse for their words and educate themselves more about neurodivergence, along with being better allies. Picture this as if I am teaching a course that has a “Who Do You Think You Are” concept (imagine if writing, psychology, art, zoology came into play, along with fusions of etymology and creative analogy). Perhaps you might hear me say a lot of entertaining imagery– props to my fellow writing professor, Chris White. I also dug more into associations between autistic people and big cats, including how the new approach to ideas contributes to the comparison between objects and animals. Animals cannot be controlled like autism is. However, the puzzle piece must be permanently destroyed. Namaste, have a wonderful day.

Post‑grad life has not been easy. In this episode of Set the Stage, I open up about losing my sense of self after graduation, feeling stuck between my old life and my new one, and how all of this connects to being autistic.

I talk about:

• What I’ve learned 6+ months after graduating

• Outgrowing my childhood home and old versions of myself

• Feeling lost and unsure how to build new relationships

• Common misconceptions about autism

• Practical allyship tips so you can better support autistic people

Being vulnerable is not weakness—it’s heart‑level strength. I hope this episode helps you understand autism more deeply and support the autistic people in your life.

Namaste, queers. Have a wonderful day.

Perhaps you might have heard that line, as it comes from my favorite movie, How to Train Your Dragon. I figured, as April is known to be Autism Awareness + Acceptance Month, I decided to dig into some big topics regarding to that subject.

As much as it seems personal to share, I could not put into words as a young teen. In this episode, I refer to the question that Hiccup answers, “So Why Didn’t You?” – that line resonates very well with me and my autism for many reasons. As mentioned, I relate deeply to Hiccup in terms of feeling different from the group and not being like what is considered “typical.” Aside from talking about just personal struggles, I also dig into some anecdotes relevant to this huge essay-like topic.

If you or someone you know is autistic, remind them that they are not alone in that.

Namaste, queers. Keep supporting the autism community & bringing awareness and acceptance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe9Yu2YDlOI - scene with “So Why Didn’t You?” Astrid and Hiccup
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5blM2CbeNYiMUVBvg9fImgtyNyjv-3uJ - autism acceptance playlist (resources to look over)