An episode that's breaking barriers in discussing neurodivergence and disability rights.
Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:
* Today, Matt and Angela discuss the "Make America Healthy Again" executive orders, the concept of "wellness camps," and their harmful impact on the neurodivergent and disabled communities.
* We then explore the history of neurodivergence during the Nazi era, the horrific treatment neurodivergent people endured, and how Hans Asperger used Asperger's syndrome to separate autistic individuals deemed worthy of survival from those who were not.
* The reality is, you can't "cancel" autism or neurodivergence—it’s genetic and an inherent part of who we are.
* Our hosts dive into the topic of internalized ableism within the neurodivergent community, particularly its prevalence among those with lower support needs.
* Additionally, we discuss the issues with ABA and behaviorism, as well as Lovaas’s role in both gay conversion therapy and ABA.
* We also discuss Elon Musk—while he is autistic, he is not part of the autistic community or culture, as he does not embrace or support autistic ideals.
* Our hosts examine the increasingly alarming policies of this administration, emphasizing that supporting it is a statement against the well-being and rights of autistic people.
* This administration is actively working to dehumanize transgender people, and there is a significant overlap between the trans and disabled communities.
* We discuss how autism levels are inherently biased, often correlating with one's ability to contribute to capitalism.
* Disability is the one minority group that everyone will eventually belong to—at some point in life, everyone will experience disability.
* Level three autistic people are often infantilized, while level one autistic people are frequently asked variations of, "Have you just tried suffering?"
* We also explore the historical context of the "vaccines cause autism" myth—reminding everyone that autistic people have existed long before vaccines!
* Finally, we discuss the importance of community during these times and the need to move away from relying on traditional systems.
“People are ‘the parasite class’ - because unless you’re independently wealthy and pull yourself up by your bootstraps and have millions or billions or trillions of dollars, you are somehow a drain on the ‘great system’ that is the United States.” - Matt
“That’s how neurotypical people lead their lives. Neurotypical people don’t have an inner monologue. Neurotypical people are not pattern-followers. Neurotypical people trust the people above them socially to do what is in their best interest. These executive orders protect neurotypical people by getting rid of us pesky neurodivergent people that are somehow eating up neurotypical resources.” - Matt
“We need people who will support us in the community, because we all need support. All humans need support. We are not individual islands. We all need to rely on each other, because the traditional systems will not take care of us.” - Matt
Did you enjoy this episode? We explore how autism and neurodivergence are deeply embedded in the world around us, from harmful policies to the biases within autism levels. Tune in as we unpack how society’s treatment of neurodivergent and disabled individuals shapes our lives, and why supporting certain systems can harm our community. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your perspectives on the episode!
Show Notes:
https://www.facebook.com/drangelakingdon/posts/pfbid0MUr89WMxZoonBTaBwef2yAtGyQFTrB8etJbjC7XoobJF8iRjP3ghr3TdoHdaCPRDl
https://autisticadvocacy.org/2025/02/asan-condemns-announcement-of-presidents-make-america-healthy-again-commission-and-harmful-ideas-about-autism-and-other-disabilities/
Related Episodes:
Fighting Internalized Ableism
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!
Follow us on Instagram
Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Join Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
Our Autism-affirming merch shop
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe
