Autism is back in the political spotlight in the U.S., as Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announce a major study to “find the cause” of autism — reviving the long-debunked claim that vaccines may be to blame. The move has sparked concern among scientists, advocates, and the autistic community.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Independent journalist, Washington correspondent, and author Eric Garcia to unpack what’s really at stake. They explore the dangers of anti-vax politics, the truth behind the so-called autism “epidemic,” and the billion-dollar autism industry — including who really profits. 

As one of the few openly autistic reporters in Washington, Eric also explains why he fears for autistic people across the country.

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00:00 Introduction

1:54 What is Happening in the USA?

2:23 Anti Vaxxers & Autism

5:01 Setting the Facts Straight: Business Profits VS Facts

7:04 The World of Autism in the 2016 Former Presidency

7:45 “Autism Is An Epidemic” VS The Facts Behind The Numbers

10:57 Looking For Someone To Blame: Autism is Not a Disease

12:35 Why is Autism a Priority in the USA?

14:06 The Autism Industry in the USA: How Big Is It and Who Profits?

16:00 What’s it like to be Autistic in the US? - A personal perspective

17:06 Parents of Autistic Children in the USA: The Fear is Real

19:08 Autism in America Under Joe Biden: What Was Happening?

20:13 Why Eric Love’s Politics

21:00 Why Don’t We Hear About Other Neurotypes?

22:05 ‘Aspie supremacy’ & Elon Musk: Debunked

23:53 Two Narrative Extremes: Eliminate Autism VS Supreme Autistic Beings

24:30 How Does This All End?

25:41 Victor Perez: The Killing of an Autistic Teen in 12 Seconds

27:16 Why Eric Wrote His Book: Creating Autistic Acceptance

29:10 Connection: The Invisible Autistic String

30:37 Eric’s One Wish For the Future

30:51 Green Badge Segment

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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.

Host: Ben Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

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