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The Psychology of Autistic Boys and the Manosphere

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Manage episode 486258655 series 3197030
Content provided by Thomas Henley. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Thomas Henley or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Host Thomas Henley is joined by psychologist Laura Gwilt to explore the complexities of the manosphere — the digital world influencing millions of young men and autistic adults.

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Laura's Links: https://linktr.ee/lauragwilt

Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What the manosphere actually is, and how varied it is

  • The psychological appeal of the manosphere to autistic men and young neurodivergent boys

  • The role of loneliness, isolation, and emotional neglect in drawing men into these spaces

  • Society’s failure to emotionally support boys and men, especially autistic ones

  • The positive side of the manosphere — creators who offer structure, self-worth, and community

  • The darker side — toxic masculinity, misogyny, and emotional manipulation

  • Performative masculinity and internalised shame

  • The psychological concept of “fix me” narratives and why autistic men are vulnerable to them

  • How anger, trauma, and emotional repression are handled (or ignored) in male spaces

  • The emotional and developmental impact of being unsupported as a young autistic boy

  • How authentic belonging is often promised but rarely delivered by these communities

  • A breakdown of what healthy support looks like — from therapists, peers, and real connection

  • How autistic communication styles can be misunderstood or exploited in online dynamics

  • Laura Gwilt’s expert insights into male identity formation, emotion regulation, and cultural shifts needed to prevent harm

  • Hopeful paths forward — creating nuanced, inclusive communities for men that centre growth, honesty, and care

👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more.

❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT a professional and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action

PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!➡️

  continue reading

83 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 486258655 series 3197030
Content provided by Thomas Henley. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Thomas Henley or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Host Thomas Henley is joined by psychologist Laura Gwilt to explore the complexities of the manosphere — the digital world influencing millions of young men and autistic adults.

Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Laura's Links: https://linktr.ee/lauragwilt

Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What the manosphere actually is, and how varied it is

  • The psychological appeal of the manosphere to autistic men and young neurodivergent boys

  • The role of loneliness, isolation, and emotional neglect in drawing men into these spaces

  • Society’s failure to emotionally support boys and men, especially autistic ones

  • The positive side of the manosphere — creators who offer structure, self-worth, and community

  • The darker side — toxic masculinity, misogyny, and emotional manipulation

  • Performative masculinity and internalised shame

  • The psychological concept of “fix me” narratives and why autistic men are vulnerable to them

  • How anger, trauma, and emotional repression are handled (or ignored) in male spaces

  • The emotional and developmental impact of being unsupported as a young autistic boy

  • How authentic belonging is often promised but rarely delivered by these communities

  • A breakdown of what healthy support looks like — from therapists, peers, and real connection

  • How autistic communication styles can be misunderstood or exploited in online dynamics

  • Laura Gwilt’s expert insights into male identity formation, emotion regulation, and cultural shifts needed to prevent harm

  • Hopeful paths forward — creating nuanced, inclusive communities for men that centre growth, honesty, and care

👽 Remember that Autism is a spectrum, and your experiences/opinions will likely differ from mine based on your background, traits, location, other diagnoses, personality, life experience, and much more.

❗️IMPORTANT NOTE: I am NOT a professional and you should consult a registered psychologist and doctor before taking any action

PLEASE share your experiences and thoughts in the COMMENTS!➡️

  continue reading

83 episodes

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