Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity! Protecting Kentucky Kids (Episode 62)
Autistic Advocates Unite: Challenging ABA Mandates in Kentucky Schools
* Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, along with advocates Winter and Kat, discuss a concerning push to mandate ABA therapy in Kentucky public schools.
* The group strongly opposes this move, highlighting several critical points:
* ABA is viewed as unethical by many autistic individuals, focusing on modifying outward behaviors without addressing inner experiences.
* ABA operates from a deficit model, aiming to make autistic people appear more neurotypical, regardless of negative masking outcomes.
* The “therapy” causes trauma, deepens internalized ableism, and increases the likelihood of suicide among autistic individuals.
* Advocates argue for prioritizing autistic voices, acceptance, and accommodations over pursuing outdated "cure" models rooted in colonialist and eugenic ideologies.
* They propose alternative investments in teacher training, special education staff (especially autistic educators), sensory rooms, and class support animals as more beneficial for autistic students.
* The episode highlights the burnout faced by autistic advocates constantly fighting these battles, emphasizing the need for community support and shared advocacy workload.
* A call to action is issued to organize and counter the proposed bill (HCR 51) before it advances, stressing the importance of connecting autistic-led organizations and advocates.
* The podcast affirms that autism is an integral part of identity, not a disease to be eliminated, advocating for ethical, compassionate support focused on authentic quality of life for autistic individuals.
What kind of neurodiversity-affirming supports would have helped you in school? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Kentucky House concurrent Resolution 51
House of Representatives in Kentucky
Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism
Mandatory ABA lived-experience - ABA Abuse Traumatizes Autistic Teen (A First Hand Account)
The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List
Scholarly article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability
Scholarly article: Death by Suicide Among People With Autism: Beyond Zebrafish
Video: The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn
Kentucky House Standing Committee - Education
Winter’s website: Translunar Academy
Find Winter’s advocacy group: Autistics United Kentucky Facebook and Instagram
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis
Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic
Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple
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