

Episode 305 - Ableism and the Medical Model of Disability
28 snips Mar 26, 2025
Delve into the nuances of ableism and its subtle presence in everyday practices. The discussion contrasts the medical and social models of disability, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in understanding autism. Insights from recent surveys reveal biases in perceptions of neurodiversity. Explore the balance between adapting individuals and fostering community engagement. The conversation also critiques the traditional framework of behavior analysis, advocating for a compassionate, neuroaffirming approach that respects individual differences.
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Ableism Definition
- Ableism is discrimination based on one's ability or disability.
- It stems from assigning value judgments to differences, viewing deviations from the "norm" as lesser.
Medical vs. Social Model
- The medical model views disability as a problem residing within the individual, focusing on diagnoses and symptom elimination.
- The social model emphasizes the interaction between individual and environment, seeking accommodations to improve the person's experience.
Kapp et al. Study
- The 2012 Kapp et al. study surveyed autistic individuals, parents, and professionals about autism and neurodiversity.
- It revealed varying levels of neurodiversity awareness across groups, with autistic individuals showing the highest awareness.