Something Is Not the Same

Nov 22, 2024

Jill Escher, an autism research philanthropist and president of the National Council on Severe Autism, discusses the rising prevalence of autism and the impact of misinformation, particularly regarding vaccinations. Dalibor Rohac, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, analyzes the U.S. and UK's controversial military aid to Ukraine, touching on geopolitical dynamics and the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict. The conversation also highlights the cultural narratives surrounding figures like Tammy Faye Baker and the importance of healthier online spaces.

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ANECDOTE

Escher's Children

Jill Escher's children have profound autism, impacting their daily lives significantly.
They are nonverbal and struggle with basic life skills like reading, writing, and talking.

INSIGHT

Rising Autism Diagnoses

Autism diagnoses have increased dramatically, not solely due to awareness or diagnostic changes.
Data shows a genuine rise in autism prevalence, even when comparing similar groups.

INSIGHT

Euphemisms and Autism

Terms like "neurodivergence" and "superpowers" can trivialize autism's serious impacts.
Euphemisms have a place, but scientific and policy discussions require factual language.

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RFK and autism, missiles to Ukraine, and Tammy Faye.

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The Bulletin welcomes Jill Escher (National Council on Severe Autism) to talk about autism in light of the RFK appointment as health secretary. Then, Dalibor Rohac (American Enterprise Institute) joins us to talk about President Biden’s provision of missiles to Ukraine. Finally, Clarissa, Russell, and Mike check in on a grab bag of topics, from the Tammy Faye Broadway musical to Bluesky and more.

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ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Jill Escher is a former attorney and a real estate developer. She is the head of the Escher Fund for Autism, the most recent president of the Autism Society of America San Francisco Bay Area chapter, and the president of the National Council on Severe Autism.

Dalibor Rohac is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies the political economy of the European Union and transatlantic relations. He is concurrently a research associate at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN:

The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.

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