⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses ableism, discrimination, and challenging topics related to autism diagnoses. It is intended for a mature audience. Please listen/read with care.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP examine the harms of pathologizing autism diagnoses and why affirming, neurodiversity-based approaches matter.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Matt’s first-hand account of a problematic diagnostic experience with his son.
• Red flags to look for when choosing a diagnostician, including affiliations with ABA therapy, Autism Speaks, pathologizing language, and unnecessary IQ testing.
• How bad diagnoses can lead to harmful recommendations such as ABA “therapy,” which has roots in gay conversion practices.
• Why self-diagnosis and peer validation can be empowering alternatives to medical gatekeeping.
• Angela’s personal reflections on imposter syndrome, doubt, and internalized ableism following her own diagnosis.
• The pros (accommodations, access to services) and cons (stigma, discrimination) of formal autism diagnosis.
• Why affirming language and practices are essential for protecting Autistic mental health.
• How the Autistic community is pushing back against harmful diagnostic models to demand justice and acceptance.

Resources:

• The DSM on Autism
• Matt’s reframing of Autism Criteria
• *The Feminine Boy Project (root of ABA)
• Autistic Centered Therapy (AUCT)

Related episodes:

Labels & Autism

Chess is Autistic

Sex is Autistic

The Trouble with Temple

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