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Why do we sometimes mistake authority for accuracy? And why can asking a reasonable question feel like an act of rebellion?
In this episode of Quietly Autistic at Last, Dr. Allison Sucamele explores the complicated relationship between autism, ADHD, AuDHD, authority figures, conformity, and independent thinking. From being labeled “difficult” for questioning inconsistencies to masking disagreement out of fear of consequences, we examine how power dynamics can shape our ability to trust our own judgment.
Blending psychological research, personal experiences, and practical insights, this conversation explores the difference between authority, expertise, and accuracy—and why respecting someone's position doesn't require believing they're incapable of being wrong.
Questioning authority isn't necessarily disrespect. Sometimes, it's simply discernment.
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and reflective purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice. If you're experiencing emotional distress in the U.S., call or text 988 for support.
References & Resources
1. Lazzaro, S. C., et al. (2019; first published online 2018). Social Conformity in Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 1304–1315.
A memory experiment with 22 autistic and 22 non-autistic adults found similar susceptibility to inaccurate group answers. It did not test workplace hierarchy or obedience to authority.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6394587/
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3809-1.
2. Kobayashi et al. (2026). Informational and Normative Influence on Conformity in Autism. Autism Research.
A preregistered study of 30 autistic and 30 non-autistic adults found task-dependent results; exploratory subgroup findings require caution. Lower conformity did not necessarily improve accuracy.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aur.70284
DOI: 10.1002/aur.70284.
3. Hull, L., et al. (2017). “Putting on My Best Normal”: Social Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47, 2519–2534.
Qualitative accounts from 92 autistic adults describe motives, strategies, and costs of camouflaging. This design explores experience rather than proving causation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28527095/
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3166-5.
4. Milton, D. E. M. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: the ‘double empathy problem’. Disability & Society, 27(6), 883–887.
A theoretical account of reciprocal difficulties in understanding across differing experiences. The episode’s application to authority is interpretive.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008
5. Crompton et al. (2025). Information transfer within and between autistic and non-autistic people.
A multisite Registered Report with 311 participants found no significant information-transfer difference between chain types in its tasks; rapport patterns were more nuanced. It did not replicate an earlier selective mixed-neurotype transfer disadvantage.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12283400/
Earlier study: Crompton et al. (2020).
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320919286
6. Steindl, C., et al. (2015). Understanding Psychological Reactance: New Developments and Findings. Zeitschrift für Psychologie, 223(4), 205–214.
Review of freedom threats and motivation to restore freedom. Reactance is not unique to autism, and resistance alone does not establish that an instruction is wrong.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4675534/
DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000222.
7. Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Supported Decision-Making.
Accessible explanations of assistance that preserves a disabled person’s role in making choices. Use the conceptual material; legal arrangements vary by location, and the page’s state-law list should not be treated as current legal advice.
https://autisticadvocacy.org/actioncenter/issues/choices/sdm/
8. AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit.
Materials for autistic adults, supporters, and healthcare providers, including communication and accommodation planning.
https://autismandhealth.org/
Background: Nicolaidis et al. (2016), The Development and Evaluation of an Online Healthcare Toolkit for Autistic Adults and their Primary Care Providers.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5023610/
9. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States).
Call or text 988, or use online chat for crisis support.
https://988lifeline.org/get-help/what-to-expect/
Additional Show Notes
A title can signal responsibility and relevant expertise without guaranteeing accuracy. This episode explores why questions can be mistaken for disrespect, what autism research does and does not show about conformity, and how listeners can seek clarity, preserve agency, and choose safer ways to respond.
