“Today’s episode discusses learned helplessness in autistic students, a condition where repeated failures lead them to believe their efforts are futile. It uses the fictional case of “Jacob” to illustrate how academic and social struggles, coupled with unsupportive educational environments, can create this sense of powerlessness. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, asserts that autistic students are not inherently unmotivated, but rather struggle with task initiation and are often misinterpreted, reinforcing negative cycles. This is exacerbated by rigid systems that prioritise standardised testing and penalise incomplete work. Dr. Hoerricks argues that breaking this cycle requires building trust, providing autonomy, scaffolding tasks into manageable steps, and addressing emotional needs. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for educators to shift from punishment to empowerment, recognising systemic barriers and creating inclusive learning environments where students feel supported and capable of success.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/breaking-the-cycle-of-learned-helplessness

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“Today’s episode critiques a recent study that uses machine learning to improve autism detection, arguing it stems from a eugenicist logic focused on control rather than support. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that the study, affiliated with Israeli institutions, aims to integrate autistic individuals into systems that prioritize institutional convenience over their well-being. They challenge the premise that early detection is inherently beneficial, highlighting the risk of reinforcing biases and facilitating interventions designed to ensure compliance. Dr. Hoerricks suggests that this approach echoes historical patterns where scientific advancements have been used to manage and control marginalised groups. They advocate for autistic-led research that centers lived experience and rejects the medicalisation and surveillance of autism. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks urges resistance against AI-driven categorisation, emphasising the need to dismantle systems that profit from the suppression of autistic identities.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/we-missed-some-the-eugenicist-logic

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“A satirical news article sets the stage for an analysis of Florida's potential future under corporate control, specifically through the lens of Manifest Destiny Ventures' (MDV) acquisition of the state. The source article from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks envisions a dystopia where MDV eliminates democratic processes, replacing them with AI-driven systems that prioritize shareholder value and corporate profit. Dr. Hoerricks analyses current trends in Florida, such as private equity's increasing control over housing and the dismantling of public education, arguing they reflect a larger effort to financialise everyday life. Dr. Hoerricks proposes nationalising housing to prevent this dystopian future, asserting that allowing capitalism to control housing will lead to the loss of individual rights and democratic participation, thus turning the state into a territory managed by companies.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/manifest-destiny-ventures-florida

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“Today’s episode critiques the far-right’s “war on wokeness,” arguing it's a historically inaccurate attack on gender fluidity and nonbinary identities. It challenges the notion of a traditional, rigid gender binary, pointing to gender fluidity in Norse, Celtic, and Germanic myths, Doctor Who, and European folklore. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, uses Loki and Doctor Who as examples of fluid figures, demonstrating how the right's panic stems from a fear of change and transformation. They assert that the far-right's views are rooted in Christianised, colonial interpretations, not authentic traditions. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks calls for reclaiming a fuller understanding of myth and folklore that embraces fluidity and rejects the restrictive ideologies of the MAGA-bros. They also add the idea of bullies attempt to control others because of their own insecurities.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-forgotten-histories-of-gender

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“Today’s episode explores how alienation under capitalism significantly impacts mental health. It argues that societal structures, rather than individual failings, cause widespread distress. Drawing from Marxist, Maoist, Pan-Africanist, and other critical theories, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, examines how systemic oppression contributes to mental health struggles. They interweave personal experiences as an autistic and trans person to illustrate this point. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that individual treatments are insufficient; true healing requires collective action and dismantling the exploitative systems that perpetuate suffering. They advocate for building alternative support systems grounded in solidarity and cultural reclamation, promoting joy and hope as forms of resistance.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/alienation-and-mental-health-how

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“Today’s episode analyses the potential threats to neurodivergent individuals and disability rights under the new political regime in the US. The source article, by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights concerns that figures like RFK Jr. and policies within Agenda 47 signal an ideological assault, potentially dismantling crucial support systems and promoting eugenicist frameworks. Dr. Hoerricks contends that neurodivergence is being reframed as a defect to be eliminated rather than a natural cognitive variation. It examines the financial and ideological connections between political figures and groups pushing anti-vaccine and anti-neurodivergent rhetoric. They warn of restricted medication access, promotion of harmful “alternative treatments,” and increased government surveillance, drawing parallels to historical eugenicist movements. Dr. Hoerricks calls for resistance led by neurodivergent individuals and advocacy groups to protect their rights and challenge harmful narratives. They ultimately fear a “controlled collapse” of society into corporate neofeudalism, Christian nationalism, and fascist authoritarianism, urging immediate action to prevent this future.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-new-regimes-war-on-neurodivergence

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“Today’s episode argues that many schools fail to provide adequate literacy education, particularly for students with disabilities like dyslexia. It uses legal cases like Endrew F. and William A. to highlight the legal obligation schools have to ensure meaningful progress, not just minimal advancement. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, shares their personal experience of graduating from high school functionally illiterate, blaming systemic issues such as prioritising compliance over competence and inadequate teacher training. They contend that schools often rely on accommodations instead of direct instruction and calls for stronger enforcement of IEPs and greater accountability to ensure that students receive the literacy skills necessary to participate fully in society. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that parents and advocates must hold schools to this legal standard.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-broken-contract-dyslexia-literacy

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“Today’s episode analyses the Make America Healthy Again Commission (MAHA), arguing that it is a neoliberal scheme designed to privatise public health. It asserts that the commission's true purpose is to shift blame onto individuals for health disparities whilst redirecting public funds to private corporations. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that the commission's members, largely comprised of conservative policy strategists and corporate figures, will prioritise so-called “free-market solutions” at the expense of public health. Dr. Hoerricks anticipates specific outcomes like privatisation of public resources, deregulation, and attacks on trans and disability rights, all under the guise of ‘health reform.’ They describe this as an economic war against the public and part of a broader effort to dismantle and privatise public services across multiple sectors. They also suggests that neither Democrats nor Republicans are truly fighting against this looting operation, and argues that a systemic change is needed.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/meet-the-maha-commission-the-architects

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“Today’s episode dissects capitalism, challenging common misconceptions and exposing its exploitative nature. It contrasts capitalism with trade and commerce, arguing that it uniquely prioritises profit extraction. The author of the lengthy source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights the concept of surplus value, where workers are underpaid to maximise capitalist profit. Dr. Hoerricks discusses rent-seeking, colonial roots, and the myth of rugged individualism as key mechanisms that drive and sustain capitalism's inequalities. Ultimately, they urge readers to envision and pursue alternatives that prioritise human and ecological well-being.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/capitalism-101-beyond-the-myths-into

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“Today’s episode introduces Able Grounded Phenomenology (AGP), a framework to reform autism research. AGP was created by Dr. Henny Kupferstein to challenge traditional, deficit-based research approaches that dehumanise Autistic individuals. The source article from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks critiques existing research paradigms, pointing out their colonial and capitalist underpinnings, which prioritise profit and control over the well-being of Autistic people. It uses Dr. Kupferstein’s consumer audit of the UC Davis MIND Institute as an example of how research can perpetuate harm. AGP provides an alternative by centring Autistic voices, promoting ethical integrity, and demanding transparency in research funding and practices to ensure studies benefit the Autistic community. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for the widespread adoption of AGP as a crucial step toward decolonising autism research and creating a more just and inclusive system.”

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/able-grounded-phenomenology-ethical

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The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.