As an isolated and misfit teenager, I was naturally drawn to alternative subcultures like punk and goth. The music captured the alienation I felt and was a cathartic outlet for my angst. I often looked up to badass alternative musicians, who gave me the strength and resilience to always get back up after facing major setbacks in life.
Alternative music was pretty much the only thing I could relate to in this world, so it defined a huge part of my identity before I discovered I was Autistic.
The ethos of punk has also always deeply resonated with me. It wasn’t until later in life that I realised why. Here are a few ways in which I feel the punk ethos has parallels with Autistic traits and the Neurodivergent community…
(Disclaimer: Just so we’re clear, I’m not trying to say that all punks are Autistic/Neurodivergent or vice versa. I’m simply exploring the similarities between those two communities to explain why I personally felt so drawn to alternative subcultures as an Autistic person.)
Non-conformity
Punk is all about rejecting restrictive societal expectations, a trait that often naturally aligns with the Autistic experience. We thrive on authenticity.
Strong principles
Punk champions standing up for what you believe in, no matter the cost. This tenacity is something many Autistic individuals can relate to.
DIY ethic
The Do-It-Yourself ethic of punk, with its emphasis on creating your own culture rather than consuming what’s handed to you, mirrors the Autistic penchant for special interests and inventing creative strategies to navigate a world not designed for us.
Community for misfits
Punk created a sanctuary for those who felt misunderstood and rejected by mainstream society. Similarly, the neurodiversity movement provides a community for those of us whose brains operate differently. It’s a place where being a misfit is not just accepted, but celebrated.
Autistic As Fxxk is very much influenced by the rebellious ethos and aesthetics of punk culture. I was inspired by the creative DIY spirit of punk and riot grrrl zines from the 70s to 90s. Just like those zines, Autistic As Fxxk serves as a platform for unfiltered self-expression, challenging societal norms, and fostering community among Neurodivergents.
The more I understand my neurodivergence, the more my punk identity deepens. I now realise my attraction to alternative subcultures wasn’t solely about the music or the fashion—it was the beginning of my journey to discovering my authentic self!