In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
*Trigger warning: This episode discusses ableism, discrimination, and some challenging topics related to autism diagnoses. It is intended for a mature audience. Please listen/read with care.*
Hosts Angela and Matt share a first-hand account of a problematic autism diagnosis experience Matt recently went through with his son. They discuss red flags to watch out for when choosing a diagnostician such as:
affiliations with ABA therapy
affiliations with Autism Speaks
pathologizing language
including an IQ test in autism evaluations
A bad diagnosis can lead to harmful recommendations such as 40 hours per week of ABA “therapy,” which has roots in gay conversion therapy.
“If they support Autism Speaks, if they support ABA, what they're telling you is we are going to approach the diagnosis from a medicalized or a pathological perspective…This guy dehumanized my son from the very moment we walked in.” —Matt
Matt contrasts the pathologizing view in the diagnosis report his son received with a more affirmative, neurodiversity-embracing perspective. They discuss pros (accommodations) and cons (discrimination) of formal diagnosis, as well as valid alternatives like self-diagnosis and peer review.
Angela shares about her personal experience with doubt and imposter-syndrome following her diagnosis—a common struggle (especially among those who are self-diagnosed) stemming from a life-time of being told one is “too sensitive” compounded with internalized ableism.
“So we're going to get louder, we're going to get clearer, we're going to get stronger, because this leads to very negative outcomes for our people, and we are not going to stand for it.”
—Angela
On this week’s virtual culture trip, podcast hosts aim to expose problematic diagnoses in order to push for more affirmative, empowering experience that prioritize the mental health of the Autistic individuals and their families.
Was your diagnosis (or self-diagnosis) experience helpful or harmful? Tell us about it in the comments!
Show notes and resources:
The DSM on Autism
Matt’s reframing of Autism Criteria
The Feminine Boy Project (root of ABA)
Autistic Centered Therapy (AUCT)
Related episodes…Episode 13: Labels & Autism, Episode 31: Chess is Autistic, Episode 35: Sex is Autistic, Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels and the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnoses - Special Episode