Today’s episode challenges the ableist assumption that an autistic meltdown or shutdown indicates a lack of interest in participating in society. Instead, these experiences represent the staggering physical and emotional cost of navigating environments that are not designed for neurodivergent needs. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that true accessibility must occur before a crisis unfolds, rather than serving as a reactionary rescue after harm has already been done. Dr. Hoerricks asserts that autistic desire for a public life is a political right that should not require the “tax” of sensory trauma or personal collapse. Ultimately, she demands a world where neurodivergent individuals are believed and accommodated proactively so they can enjoy ordinary life without breaking against systemic barriers.

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-first-autistic-person-the-first-6f8

Let me know what you think.

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