Shows
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 440: Refusing the Analytic Scalpel—Gestalt Language SovereigntyToday’s episode offers a highly critical and unapologetic rebuttal to a 2025 ASHA publication regarding Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), which the author, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, views as a harmful repetition of old, non-autistic analytic critiques. Dr. Hoerricks argues that this professional opposition is rooted in analytic supremacy, insisting that language must be broken into parts to be valid, thereby dismissing gestalt processing as an inferior or immature form of communication. She contends that the pushback is fundamentally driven by capitalist capture, as recognising GLP threatens the revenue structures and clinical labour models of traditional speech-language pathology interventions. Further, the cr...
2025-12-0813 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 406: Published Is Published—Citation Politics and Visible EvidenceToday’s episode reflects on the politics of recognition within academic research, particularly concerning practitioner-led work on gestalt language processing. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, details an email from Marge Blanc, originator of the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework, who clarified that the longitudinal research Dr. Hoerricks presented as hypothetical in a previous article had already been completed and published. The core argument centres on the idea that this robust evidence, though meticulously documented through the observation of eighty-five children, remains invisible to the academic “empire” because it was published in accessible formats like parent magazi...
2025-11-0412 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 378: Autism Research Misheard Moral Expression—Gestalt Language Processing and EchoesToday’s episode critically examines how traditional autism research has misinterpreted the moral reasoning of autistic children. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the use of gestalt language processing (GLP)—communication through whole phrases or “echos”—has been mistakenly coded as “poor justification” or a deficit in moral understanding, particularly in a key 2005 study by Grant et al. Dr. Hoerricks contends that when an autistic child repeats a line like “He hit the boy,” they are not lacking in reasoning but are instead using the available language to precisely anchor their moral judgment to the specific act o...
2025-10-0712 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 351: When the Script Won't Come: Autistic Voices, Systemic DisbeliefToday’s episode explores a personal narrative and critical analysis by Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, an autistic Gestalt Language Processor (GLP). Dr. Hoerricks recounts nine years of childhood sexual abuse and the subsequent systemic failures in recognising and validating her autistic communication style when she later sought help. She highlights how traditional safeguarding and therapeutic approaches, rooted in colonial whiteness and a chronology-first epistemology, misinterpret GLP communication—which relies on “whole scenes” and “scripts”—as incoherent or deceptive, thereby engineering disbelief and allowing harm to persist. She argues for GLP-literate interviewing, policy changes, and care routes that honor diverse communication forms to bette...
2025-09-1019 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 350: Cartographer of Absence: Rethinking Mathematics Education for GLPsToday’s episode explores the challenges faced by Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) in traditional mathematics education, particularly in Algebra II. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that standardised testing and common teaching methods, like Pólya's four steps and “productive struggle,” often fail GLP students because these approaches demand an analytic understanding of problems from the outset, which doesn't align with how GLPs process information. Instead, Dr. Hoerricks proposes a new model—Enter, Anchor, Shape, Solve, Retell—that emphasises beginning with a holistic understanding or “story” of a problem before breaking it down. This alternative approach aims t...
2025-09-0915 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 339: When Headlines Cheer ErasureToday’s episode critiques the pervasive "violence of erasure" faced by autistic and transgender individuals, particularly in the context of scientific studies and public discourse. The author, of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, describes a personal experience of a power outage, forcing her to a library, where she encounter a “good news” headline from Harvard suggesting a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased autism/ADHD risk. Dr. Hoerricks deconstructs the methodological flaws and ethical implications of such correlational studies, arguing that they contribute to a narrative that pathologises and seeks to prevent autistic existence, which she descri...
2025-08-2915 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 328: The Poem Is the MeaningToday’s episode argues that traditional AP poetry analysis in the US, focused on metrics and deconstruction, fundamentally misunderstands poetry. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks—an autistic gestalt language processor and poet herself, contends that a poem's meaning is inseparable from its complete form, including its sound, rhythm, and imagery. Drawing parallels to Leonard Cohen’s approach to explaining his work, Dr. Hoerricks criticises the “violence of over-explanation” inherent in templates that force students to reduce poems into discrete components like theme, devices, and effect. She advocates for a different “literacy” rooted in lived encounter and personal r...
2025-08-1814 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 308: Cruelty or Justice - A Leftist Rebuttal to Empire TheologyToday’s episode offers a direct challenge to Allie Beth Stuckey’s views on empathy, sin, and fear, presenting a trans, autistic, Marxist perspective. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that Stuckey’s framing of empathy as dangerous is a tactic to protect established hierarchies and a “gospel of cruelty.” Dr. Hoerricks contends that the “left” Stuckey critiques is a false binary, masking the true socialist, abolitionist, and anti-colonial left that seeks to dismantle systems of domination. She further asserts that Stuckey’s promotion of “traditional values” is a marketed product rather than genuine theology, and her praise for “...
2025-07-2917 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 307: Autism and Emotion - Beyond Deficit to DifferenceToday’s episode challenges long-held misconceptions about autistic individuals’ emotional intelligence and empathy. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights how recent research, particularly studies by Brewer et al. (2022, 2023), demonstrates that autistic people are capable of accurately recognising emotions and understanding appropriate empathic responses, often with greater self-awareness regarding their accuracy than non-autistic individuals. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that perceived differences in emotional processing are often due to caution or distinct internal representations, rather than a deficit. Furthermore, she critiques the slow acceptance of these findings within the research community, suggesting a bias towards deficit-based models despite accu...
2025-07-2810 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 277: Unseen Language - A Letter to Parents of GLP Younglings“Today’s episode provides a profound perspective on Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) in autistic individuals, challenging conventional understandings of language development. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, an autistic adult and gestalt processor, shares their personal journey to illustrate that autistic language unfolds differently, often in a “teleological” or recursive manner, rather than the linear, chronological progression expected by neurotypical models. She contends that traditional therapeutic interventions often fail because they misinterpret GLP as a deficit instead of a unique developmental process, focusing on “fixing” rather than understanding. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that safety, not structured drills, is paramount...
2025-06-2815 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 273: Luminous Beings - Phosphenes, Biophotons, and Autistic Perception“Today’s episode explores the phenomenon of phosphenes, the lights many people perceive when their eyes are closed, through the lens of autistic perception. The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, challenges the conventional medical interpretation of phosphenes as symptoms of pathology, arguing instead for their recognition as a natural and often comforting aspect of sensory experience, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Hoerricks highlights István Bókkon's biophoton theory, which posits that phosphenes are literal emissions of light from the visual system, supporting the idea that humans are luminous beings. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a shift...
2025-06-2412 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 268: Sub-minimum Expectations - Special Education's Gig Future“Today’s episode offers a critical reflection on the increasing “gig-ification” of special education, using a personal anecdote from a credentialed autistic educator. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, details their experience declining a job offer from “Fullmind” for a Virtual Extensive Support Needs Educator position, highlighting the discrepancy between the advertised professional role and the reality of an underpaid, contract-based gig. Dr. Hoerricks argues that this trend devalues specialised expertise, especially in extensive support needs education, by not compensating for crucial, invisible prep work and by promoting a standardised, inaccessible hiring process that undermines the legal rights...
2025-06-1912 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 262: The Erasure of Autistic Voice“Today’s episode critiques the behavioural science model, particularly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), for its approach to autistic vocalisations. It argues that terms like “vocal stereotypy” are pejorative and misrepresent authentic autistic communication such as echolalia and stimming. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks—themself an autistic gestalt language processor—rebuts a 2025 ABA study that frames these vocalisations as "non-functional," asserting instead that they are valid forms of self-regulation, memory, and relational expression. Dr. Hoerricks traces ABA’s origins to eugenicist ideologies, highlighting its focus on suppression and conformity rather than understanding and connection. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advo...
2025-06-1316 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 261: The Architecture of Sensory Safety in Classrooms“Today’s episode explores the profound impact of classroom design on neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic. The author of the source article, Jaime Hoerricks, PhD, reflects on their personal experiences as an autistic person navigating sensory-rich environments and advocating for spaces that prioritise nervous system needs over neurotypical norms. Dr. Hoerricks contrasts traditionally “print-rich” and overstimulating classrooms with their own intentionally calm and uncluttered teaching space, highlighting how such designs offer a sense of safety, dignity, and regulation for students and educators alike. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that sensory-movement differences are foundational to autistic experience, arguing for a shift in...
2025-06-1208 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 248: Heights of Theory, Horizons of Socialism“Today’s episode uses a vintage Soviet poster depicting people climbing a tower of books towards a radiant, futuristic city as a central metaphor. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, interprets this imagery through a Marxist lens, arguing that theoretical understanding is essential for navigating and resisting oppressive systems. Dr. Hoerricks critiques current political structures, asserting that reforms offered by both major US parties are inadequate and serve to maintain the status quo, whilst the erosion of public services and legal protections is a deliberate strategy of control. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the importance of studying historical and...
2025-05-3014 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 238: The Future the Curriculum Forgot“Today’s episode presents a critique of continuing education courses for educators, arguing that they are outdated and fail to address the current realities of the education system and the needs of marginalised individuals. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, themself a special education teacher who identifies as autistic and trans, contends that these courses perpetuate systems of exclusion by not acknowledging diverse ways of thinking and being, specifically the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and gestalt language processors. Furthermore, Dr. Hoerricks highlights the structural dismantling of public education through political and judicial actions, asserting that current trai...
2025-05-2017 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 228: Theory and Practice Converge in Language Education“Today’s episode reflects on the convergence of academic research on dialogic literacy, specifically Ruth Newman’s 2025 study on metalinguistic understanding, and classroom practice, highlighted by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ 2024 book, Holistic Language Instruction. Dr. Hoerricks argues that whilst emerging from different contexts, both works advocate for inclusive and dialogic language instruction that empowers students, particularly neurodivergent and multilingual learners, to become active meaning-makers rather than passive recipients of information. They emphasise the shared belief that metalinguistic development is accessible to all and is fostered through intentional framing questions and responsive teacher talk moves that value students’ diverse linguistic contributions and backgr...
2025-05-1014 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 224: Returning to Moominvalley - A Radical Education“Today’s episode explores Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ connection to the Moomin books, seeing them as coded with themes of autism, queerness, and anti-capitalist gentleness. Inspired by a memory of these children’s books given by their grandmother, Dr. Hoerricks examines how Moominvalley offers a space where difference is accepted and emotional truth is valued. Through character analysis and reflections on Tove Jansson’s life, they argue that the Moomin universe provides a blueprint for building gentler worlds and classrooms, particularly for neurodivergent and queer individuals. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks finds a map for their own journey and future work in creating s...
2025-05-0615 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 214: Echoes of Harm - Autism Research Still Blaming Mothers“Today’s episode is a critical reflection by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks on a recent study regarding adverse childhood experiences and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Hoerricks, an AuDHD researcher and IRB chair, expresses concern that the study, Davidsson et al. (2025), perpetuates a harmful pattern of blaming mothers for their children’s neurodivergence. They argue that the study’s methodology, particularly its reliance on the ACE questionnaire, fails to account for the distinct memory processing and emotional experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Hoerricks highlights the lack of validation of such tools for autistic and ADHD populations and the absence of consideration for alexithy...
2025-04-2613 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 209: Autism - a Systemic Mismatch, Not Individual Defect“Today’s episode argues that the challenges autistic individuals face stem from systemic failures rather than inherent flaws. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques societal norms and diagnostic models that prioritise conformity and mask autistic struggles behind labels like “high-functioning.” They highlight how these systems often misinterpret autistic experiences, demanding adaptation whilst failing to accommodate diverse needs. Drawing on personal experience and engagement with existing research, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a shift in perspective, viewing autistic distress as a signal that the environment, not the individual, requires change. Dr. Hoerricks champions a critical understanding of autism g...
2025-04-2112 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 204: Tartan Day - Memory, Genocide, and the Scottish Diaspora“Today’s episode is an analysis of a personal essay from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, who identifies as a descendant of those impacted by the so-called Highland Clearances and also as neurodivergent and trans. Dr. Hoerricks critiques the celebration of Tartan Day in the United States, arguing that it promotes a sanitised version of Scottish heritage that ignores the forced displacement, cultural erasure, and violence inflicted upon the Gaelic people. They connect this historical injustice to modern capitalism and colonialism, suggesting that the Clearances served as a prototype for later exploitative practices. Through personal experiences, including participation in Highland Games, Dr...
2025-04-1614 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 203: The Digital Oubliette“Today’s episode describes the experience of being digitally silenced when a heartfelt post about autism, gender fluidity, and identity was deemed ineligible for boosting by social media algorithms. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, introduces the concept of the “digital oubliette,” a space where marginalised voices, particularly those at the intersection of autistic, trans, and queer identities, are deliberately forgotten and rendered invisible by platforms prioritising profitable narratives. Referencing Safiya Umoja Noble’s work on algorithmic bias, Dr. Hoerricks argues that these seemingly neutral systems suppress truths and erase those who challenge dominant stories. Despite this syste...
2025-04-1509 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 202: The Grammar of Control“Today’s episode explores the act of misgendering not as a mistake but as a deliberate refusal rooted in systemic beliefs. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that this refusal, often seen in the rejection of chosen names and pronouns, stems from a fixed understanding of gender influenced by theological concepts like Calvinism and reinforced by societal structures and language itself. Dr. Hoerricks describes the personal experience of this harm and the internal questioning that follows, highlighting the societal demand for graciousness in the face of erasure. Through research and the connection with shared experiences, they...
2025-04-1415 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 201: Invisible Twice - Masking Autism and Gender“Today’s episode explores the significant mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals who are also transgender or gender-diverse. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, introduces the concept of “double masking,” where individuals camouflage both their neurodivergence and gender identity to navigate a hostile world. Dr. Hoerricks argues that this constant suppression of authentic selfhood stems from systemic pressures and results in severe psychological burdens, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. They critique traditional mental health systems for their failure to understand and affirm these intersecting identities, often leading to misdiagnosis and harmful interventions. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks calls fo...
2025-04-1312 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 198: Scripting is Speech“Today’s episode critiques a 2025 ABA study targeting autistic toddlers, arguing it dangerously disregards their communication rights and lived experiences. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends the study, which aims to reduce “challenging behaviors” through the Terminal Probe method, fails to consider the communicative intent behind these actions and lacks appropriate consent measures. Dr. Hoerricks highlights that suppressing behaviors like scripting or moving away can violate disability rights, as these actions may be forms of communication or self-regulation. Drawing on disability law and Able Grounded Phenomenology, Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the ethical necessity of understanding behaviour within t...
2025-04-1025 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 197: The Three Body Problem“Today’s episode employs the metaphor of the three-body problem in astrophysics to illuminate the lived experiences of the author of the source article. The author, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, uses this unsolvable chaotic system to represent the complexities of navigating autism, transness, and chronic illness. Rather than viewing these aspects as isolated issues to be solved, Dr. Hoerricks portrays them as interacting gravitational forces that create a unique and often unpredictable personal orbit. They critique societal models, particularly within healthcare and awareness campaigns, for their reliance on simplistic two-body understandings that fail to capture the multifaceted realities of neurodivergent and...
2025-04-0912 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 196: House Red“Today’s episode explores the frequent misinterpretation of autistic emotions. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, uses rich sensory metaphors, drawn from wine tasting, to illustrate the nuanced inner states often labeled as simple negativity or misbehavior by others. They critique societal and institutional tendencies to flatten complex autistic experiences into observable behaviours, leading to misunderstanding and invalidation. Through personal anecdotes and references to existing research, Dr. Hoerricks highlights how autistic expressions of overwhelm or self-regulation are often pathologised. They emphasise the importance of slowing down, practicing curiosity, and truly listening to autistic individuals rather than impo...
2025-04-0813 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 192: Beyond Relationship-Centered: Systemic Harm and Authentic Creation“Today’s episode critiques the prevalent idea that education is inherently “relationship-centered,” arguing that this concept often masks systemic exclusions and places blame on individuals rather than flawed structures. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, drawing from personal experiences as an autistic individual, highlights how superficial emphasis on connection can be particularly harmful to those on the margins. Instead of prioritising slogans of relationship, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for recognising harm, understanding systemic patterns, and creating inclusive learning environments through intentional design. Dr. Hoerricks’ own educational journey and professional development exemplify this approach, emphasising the need to build alte...
2025-04-0415 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 190: Creating Beyond Compliance - a Teacher's Journey of Innovation“Today’s episode explores the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ experiences within teacher professional development systems, revealing an underlying emphasis on compliance and standardisation over genuine growth and teacher agency. Dr. Hoerricks critiques how these systems often treat educators as passive recipients rather than valuable sources of knowledge and innovation. Feeling like an outsider due to their neurodivergent identity and unique perspectives, Dr. Hoerricks describes their approach of creating resources and frameworks that address gaps they’ve identified. Instead of passively consuming prescribed professional development, they actively engage in creation, viewing this as a form of leadersh...
2025-04-0218 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 189: Neuroqueer Becoming - Goals Beyond Arrival“Today’s episode explores the unexpected emergence of personal goals through the lens of neuroqueerness and medical transition. Challenging conventional notions of outward-facing achievements, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, articulates how transition facilitated an inward journey towards authentic selfhood and a recognition of pre-existing, internal ‘goals’ rooted in poetry, memory, and being rather than striving. Dr. Hoerricks examines how societal pressures for conformity often obscure the inherent orientations of neurodivergent and gender-expansive individuals, and how embracing a neuroqueer identity allows for a return to a deeper sense of self. Through personal anecdotes and poetic excerpts, Dr. Hoer...
2025-04-0111 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 187: Knowledge as Wonder“Today’s episode reflects on the intrinsic joy of learning, contrasting it with a purely rational, utilitarian view of knowledge. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques the notion that AI can replace genuine learning and thinking, emphasising the importance of content knowledge as a foundation for critical thought. Dr. Hoerricks then explores alternative “autistic ways of knowing” where knowledge is a deeply personal and immersive experience, akin to inhabiting a forest rather than climbing a ladder. This perspective connects with a fascination for the fae and liminal spaces, suggesting a kinship between neurodivergent experiences and mythic r...
2025-03-3006 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 186: The Failure of "Evidence-Based" Education“Today’s episode is based upon an article by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a former forensic scientist and current teacher, who argues that the term “evidence-based” in education is often misused and fails to meet the standards of real science. Dr. Hoerricks draws parallels between the misuse of scientific evidence in courtrooms and the current educational landscape, where interventions and curricula are branded as “evidence-based” without demonstrating reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility. They critique an EdWeek article for promoting uncritical acceptance of educational research and examines how initiatives like the so-called ‘Science of Reading’ and autism interventions can prioritise profit and compliance over...
2025-03-2911 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 173: Still Here, Still Queer - Neuroqueer Futures Beyond Empire“Today’s episode argues that queerness and neuroqueerness offer a path beyond the oppressive structures of capitalism and empire, viewing these identities not just as survival mechanisms but as blueprints for a utopian future already in existence. The author the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques the mainstream LGBTQ+ movement for prioritising assimilation over radical change and embraces the disruptive potential of neuroqueer identities and fluid temporalities that challenge capitalist demands for order and linear time. By refusing normative categories and embracing difference, queerness becomes an act of defiance against imperial control and a foundation for building alternative ways of b...
2025-03-1617 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 172: Burnout - a Broken World, Not a Personal Failing“Today’s episode argues that burnout is not an individual failing but a predictable outcome of an oppressive system that relentlessly extracts resources from individuals. Drawing a parallel to historical understandings of “shell shock” and its evolution to PTSD, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that burnout is similarly framed as a personal weakness rather than a rational response to unsustainable conditions. Dr. Hoerricks critiques capitalism and societal demands for constant productivity and adaptation, particularly highlighting the compounded pressures faced by marginalised groups such as autistic, disabled, and BIPOC individuals. Ultimately, they call for solidarity over cha...
2025-03-1518 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 171: Corporate Gaslighting - Parental Engagement vs. Systemic Survival“Today’s episode critiques the notion that a lack of parental engagement is the primary cause of educational disparities. Instead, the source article from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks argues that systemic issues, such as economic pressures on working-class families and a compliance-driven education system, create barriers to meaningful parental involvement. Dr. Hoerricks contends that corporate media propagates the “engagement” myth to deflect blame from these systemic failures and to create markets for profit-driven “solutions.” Through the example of an Indigenous Zapotec student, they illustrate how schools often marginalise families and disregard their input. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for structural changes and material...
2025-03-1411 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 170: The Theft of Meaning - Literacy as Enclosure“Today’s episode critiques the conventional literacy industry, arguing that it prioritises control and standardisation over genuine comprehension and diverse learning styles. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that dominant literacy models, rooted in colonialism and capitalism, often erase and exclude those who don't fit narrow definitions of reading and knowing. The text contrasts this rigid “one” of imposed literacy with the fluid, holistic “myriad” of traditional, community-based knowledge. They suggest that current literacy practices function as a tool of enclosure and a barrier to true understanding, ultimately serving profit rather than fostering genuine learning. Dr. Hoerrick...
2025-03-1311 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 169: Decolonise Your Mind“Today’s episode explores how gestalt language processing allows for a holistic understanding of information and how this can be used to decolonise the mind. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, reflects on their early exposure to colonial narratives in science fiction and how, as a gestalt processor, these stories deeply shaped their cognitive frameworks. Recognising this, Dr. Hoerricks discusses the importance of curating inputs to actively reshape thought patterns and challenge dominant, often colonial, ideologies embedded in media. The concept of retrocausality is introduced, explaining how new understanding can revise past interpretations, enabling a continuous proc...
2025-03-1220 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 168: The Settler's Manifesto“Today’s episode, “The Settler’s Manifesto,” critically examines the Heritage Foundation's strategy to reshape public education through initiatives like Agenda 47, Project 2025, and The Phoenix Declaration. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that these efforts represent a far-right ideological project aimed at dismantling pluralism and critical thought in favor of a Christian nationalist vision. This “settler colonialism turned inward” seeks to impose a singular, exclusionary worldview by controlling curriculum, policing language, and undermining teachers who deviate from conservative orthodoxy. Dr. Hoerricks contends that this agenda, exemplified by the misuse of historical figures like George Washington, employs coerci...
2025-03-1116 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 167: Autism - Eugenics, Diagnosis, and the Fight for Existence“Today’s episode revisits an old article with a new update and expresses concerns about the future of autism support and acceptance under the new US administration. The author of the piece, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, initially believed the DSM diagnostic criteria would be the primary barrier to accessing services. However, they now fear a more extreme scenario where the government actively works to prevent autistic people from existing. This shift involves re-allocating funding towards “cures” rather than support. Dr. Hoerricks argues that eugenicist ideologies are driving policy changes. A key worry is that this agenda will be disguised as helpful...
2025-03-1014 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 166: Autistic Time - History, Memory, and the Fluidity of Becoming“Today’s episode is an exploration of autistic temporality, contrasting it with neurotypical models of time and history. The source article from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks critiques a New York Times piece for omitting the autistic experience of time as internal, dynamic, and coherence-driven. Dr. Hoerricks uses their own transition as an example of how autistic individuals reconfigure their past in light of new understandings, emphasising the fluidity of self and history. They further delve into the concept of “the deep now” as a flow state where time ceases to exist, and laments the world'‘s failure to acknowledge autistic ways of pr...
2025-03-0919 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 165: Decolonising Autism Studies - Language, Identity, and Education“Today’s episode critiques a study that suggests multilingualism benefits autistic children by improving executive function. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues the study operates within a colonial and ableist framework by viewing language as a cognitive tool rather than a cultural aspect of identity. Dr. Hoerricks notes that the study prioritises spoken proficiency, overlooking literacy and the erosion of home languages, particularly in marginalized communities. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for decolonising language education by supporting full multilingual literacy and recognising neurodivergent language processing. They warn that misinterpreting the study could reinforce assimilationist policies that suppress home...
2025-03-0818 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 164: Before and After Gender - Speculations on Time and Identity“Today’s episode explores the concept of gender as a colonial imposition, contrasting a pre-gender existence with a potential post-gender future. It introduces three distinct voices: the last person who lived before the imposition of gender, a fractured individual navigating the complexities of a gendered present, and the first child from a future where gender does not dictate life. The author of the piece, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, positioned between these perspectives, reflects on the loss of a fluid past and the possibility of creating a future free from gendered constraints. They discusse how the current world is built on pres...
2025-03-0706 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 163: Capitalist Collapse - Neofeudalism, Socialist Resistance, and the Future“Today’s episode asserts that capitalism is collapsing and transitioning into corporate neo-feudalism, creating a global system of oppression with nowhere to escape. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the illusion of a political spectrum distracts from the reality of a one-party state serving the ruling class. This system perpetuates corporate power and control through manufactured crises and financial manipulation, exemplified by the “Great Reset.” The rise of BRICS nations is framed not as liberation but as a realignment of power within the same exploitative framework. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for socialist resistance as the only...
2025-03-0622 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 162: ChatGPT, Translation, and the Power of Language“Today’s episode examines the shortcomings of LLM translation, particularly concerning marginalized languages. Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, the author of the source article, uses a personal anecdote of translating a Scots Gaelic phrase to illustrate how ChatGPT’s predictive modeling can distort meaning by prioritising statistical likelihood over intended meaning. Dr. Hoerricks argues that LLM “translation” is not neutral, but instead reinforces colonial biases and power structures present in training data. They highlight the risks of erasure of nuance, the reinforcement of linguistic biases, and the loss of linguistic autonomy. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for caution, transparency, cross-checking with fluent speakers, and ethica...
2025-03-0512 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 161: The Reserve Army of Labour“Today’s episode critiques capitalism’s exploitation and exclusion of autistic individuals within the labor market. It argues that capitalism utilises the “reserve army of labor”—a pool of readily available, underemployed workers—to suppress wages and control the workforce and that autistic people are strategically positioned within this reserve army, often facing unstable employment and systemic barriers. In the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks exposes how misleading unemployment statistics obscure the true scale of precarity and how learned helplessness is used to condition marginalised workers to accept their economic disposability. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for autistic-led employment solutions like worker coopera...
2025-03-0416 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 160: Learned Helplessness in Autistic Students - Breaking the Cycle“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...
2025-03-0317 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 159: AI-Driven Autism Detection - Eugenics, Surveillance, and Control“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...
2025-03-0222 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 158: Florida - a Corporate Dystopia in the Making“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 th...
2025-03-0112 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 157: The Far-Right's War on 'Wokeness' is a Rejection of History“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...
2025-02-2819 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 156: Alienation - Capitalism, Mental Health, and the Path to Liberation“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, prom...
2025-02-2715 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 155: The Tangerine Regime's War on Neurodivergence“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 treatm...
2025-02-2618 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 154: The Broken Contract - Literacy, Dyslexia, and the Legal Obligation“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 acco...
2025-02-2512 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 153: The MAHA Commission - Privatising Public Health for Corporate Profit“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 th...
2025-02-2431 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 152: Capitalism - Myths, Machinery, Exploitation, and Colonialism“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...
2025-02-2334 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 151: AGP and Ethical Research for Autistic Lives“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 pr...
2025-02-2221 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 150: Bridging Reform and Revolution for Systemic Change“Today’s episode examines the divide between reformist and revolutionary approaches within neurodiversity advocacy, particularly regarding the experiences of BIPOC individuals. It highlights how white, reformist advocacy often focuses on incremental changes that do not address systemic oppression. Revolutionary advocacy, on the other hand, seeks to dismantle oppressive systems like capitalism and colonialism, which disproportionately harm marginalized communities. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that "enshittification", or the degradation of systems for profit, worsens these inequities and reinforces divides within advocacy. They call on white advocates to use their privilege to support BIPOC-led revolutionary movements. Ulti...
2025-02-2114 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 149: Texas v. Becerra - Disability Rights, Trans Liberation, and Solidarity“Today’s episode argues that “Texas v. Becerra” is not simply a legal challenge, but a strategic attack on disability rights that uses trans people as a scapegoat. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues the lawsuit, cloaked in legal technicalities, aims to dismantle Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, prioritising capitalist and patriarchal interests over equity and inclusion. Gender dysphoria is framed as disabling due to societal barriers, not inherent flaws, exacerbated by states with histories of opposing equity. Dr. Hoerricks posits that this legal action is part of a broader agenda by far-right organisations to undermin...
2025-02-2020 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 148: The Assault on Section 504 and the Systemic Erosion of Disability Rights“Today’s episode critiques the attack on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, viewing it as an effort to undermine disability rights and equity. Using Stafford Beer's dictum that a system’s purpose is what it does, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the government consistently serves capital and patriarchy, even at the expense of marginalised groups. Dr. Hoerricks highlights how Section 504, designed to prevent discrimination against disabled individuals, is now under attack, particularly concerning trans individuals’ rights. Historical parallels, such as the struggles of women and Chinese migrants, demonstrate a pattern of the government reluctan...
2025-02-1914 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 147: Autism and Sleep“Today’s episode explores the challenges of sleep disorders in autistic individuals, particularly night terrors. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, shares their personal journey to find effective sleep solutions after struggling with traditional medical approaches and adverse side effects. They discuss the importance of understanding the “why” behind sleep problems, rather than just focusing on the “what.” Dr. Hoerricks outlines a specific dietary and lifestyle approach centered on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with intermittent fasting. This dietary shift, along with exploring liminal dreaming, helped manage anxiety, GI issues, and ultimately improve sleep quality. They conclude by acknowled...
2025-02-1831 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 146: Autism, Technology, and the Exhaustion of Modern Life“Today’s episode examines the challenges and exhaustion faced by autistic individuals navigating a world and digital landscape often hostile to neurodivergence. It explores the paradox of technology, highlighting how online platforms can be both a source of community and a site of harm due to algorithmic amplification of negativity and lack of accessibility. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, discusses the emotional toll of constant debate surrounding the existence and value of autistic people, further exacerbated by recent political developments. They critique societal norms that prioritise conformity, erasing difference and marginalising those who don't fit in...
2025-02-1719 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 145: Ditch the SAVE Act“Today’s episode analyses the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in the US as a modern tool of patriarchal exclusion, linking it to historical and ongoing efforts to marginalise women and other groups in the so-called ‘land of the free.’ It argues the Act’s requirement for documentary proof of citizenship disproportionately affects those without easy access, such as women whose names have changed due to marriage. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, connects the Act to the Puritanical roots of American patriarchy and the far-right’s desire to reinforce traditional hierarchies. By exploring the life of Jame...
2025-02-1618 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 144: Red Clydeside Today“Today’s episode reflects on the historical Red Clydeside movement and its relevance to contemporary issues, particularly regarding disability and capitalism. Drawing inspiration from Marxism, the source article critiques the commodification of basic needs like housing and healthcare under capitalist systems. The author, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, proposes a vision of a self-sustaining, utopian community for disabled individuals, highlighting the challenges and barriers imposed by current regulations and corporate power. A 2025 update emphasises the worsening conditions and increased relevance of Red Clydeside’s fight against exploitation due to the consolidation of power and corporate takeover of essential resources. They advocate for co...
2025-02-1517 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 143: a Tale of Two Approaches to Neurodiversity“Today’s episode contrasts two distinct approaches to autism: a Soviet model of inclusion and a Global North model rooted in eugenics. It highlights the work of Dr. Grunya Sukhareva, whose inclusive approach in the Soviet Union aimed to integrate autistic individuals into society, contrasting it with the Global North’s focus on genetic research that seeks to eliminate autism. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that modern genetic studies perpetuate a eugenicist legacy by focusing on “curing” autism rather than improving the lives of autistic individuals. They emphasise the erasure of Sukhareva's work due to ideolog...
2025-02-1420 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 142: Autism, Neurodivergence, and the Case Against Capitalism“Today’s episode critiques the commodification of neurodivergence under capitalism, highlighting how diagnosis becomes a gatekeeping tool that favours the privileged. The source article argues that organisations like Toronto’s Embrace Autism are essential yet reveal systemic failures to support autistic individuals without financial burdens. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, advocates for a shift from reformist approaches to a revolutionary dismantling of capitalism, proposing a neurodivergent vanguard to fight for a society centered on care and equity. This vision includes universal basic income, social housing, and healthcare to address societal inequalities and prioritize the needs of the...
2025-02-1322 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 139: Hayek's Road to Serfdom, a Neoliberal Inversion“Today’s episode critiques Friedrich Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom, arguing that its neoliberal followers have ironically created the authoritarian economic system Hayek feared, not through socialist planning, but via unchecked market forces concentrating power in corporations and financial institutions. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contrasts Hayek’s warnings about state control with the reality of corporate control, highlighting the incoherence of figures like Glenn Beck who simultaneously blame both capitalism and socialism for this outcome. Dr. Hoerricks concludes by advocating for public ownership and increased worker power as solutions to this ‘neoliberal feudalism.’”Here’s th...
2025-02-1014 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 136: Stop Studying Autism and Do Something Already“In today’s episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks critiques the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at Cambridge, led by Simon Baron-Cohen, for decades of research that has documented the healthcare disparities and struggles faced by autistic individuals, particularly transgender and gender-diverse autistic people, without resulting in tangible improvements or policy changes. They argue that the ARC prioritises securing funding and publishing papers over addressing the crisis, thus perpetuating a system that fails autistic people. Dr. Hoerricks calls for a redirection of funding towards autistic-led initiatives and solutions-oriented research.” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this w...
2025-02-0718 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 134: The War on Neurodivergence“Today’s episode critiques the misuse of scientific research to promote harmful ideologies, particularly concerning autism. A satirical study from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks is presented, illustrating how flawed research, amplified by media and policy makers, can create false narratives. Dr. Hoerricks highlights the dangers of pseudoscience, emphasising the need for critical thinking and the ethical implications of attempting to “cure” autism. The article further explores the historical context of autism panics, linking current controversies to past examples of scientific fraud used to justify discrimination. Finally, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for neurodiversity-affirming research and policies.”Here’s the link to the sourc...
2025-02-0516 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 133: Embracing the Beautiful Beast - Anxiety, Autism, and the Art of Transformation“Today’s episode features a book review and personal essay reflecting on Sarah Wilson’s First, We Make the Beast Beautiful, which reframes anxiety not as a disorder to be cured, but as an inherent aspect of human experience. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, an autistic individual, connects Wilson's perspective to their own experience of anxiety and gestalt processing, illustrating how their unique cognitive style shapes their perception of and response to anxiety. The essay further explores Dr. Hoerricks’ journey of self-discovery through writing, hormone replacement therapy, and the transformative power of giving voice to their in...
2025-02-0411 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 132: Financial Colonialism - The Great American Grift“Today’s episode argues that modern capitalism functions like financial colonialism, systematically extracting wealth from ordinary people (the “colonised class”) and concentrating it among a wealthy elite. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, supports this claim by analysing several prominent examples of financial scams and market manipulations, highlighting how insiders profit whilst retail investors bear the losses. Dr. Hoerricks contends that this pattern is not accidental but inherent to the system, and calls for a fundamental shift away from capitalism towards more equitable economic models. They also discuse the role of media in perpetuating this system and the...
2025-02-0318 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 130: Where are the autistic women?“Today’s episode examines the underdiagnosis of autistic girls and gender-diverse individuals, arguing that this is not merely a result of flawed diagnostic tools but a consequence of systemic biases rooted in patriarchy, ableism, and cisnormativity. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques existing research, highlighting how early studies focused primarily on boys and reinforced harmful stereotypes. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to autism diagnosis and research, emphasising the need to value the diverse experiences of all autistic people and dismantle oppressive societal structures. Masking, a coping mechanism often employed by auti...
2025-02-0116 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 129: Penny Schwinn and the Neoliberal Looting of Public Education“Today’s episode argues that Penny Schwinn’s nomination for Deputy Secretary of Education represents a dangerous advancement of neoliberal policies that prioritise corporate profit over public education. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, details Schwinn’s career, highlighting instances of no-bid contracts and conflicts of interest that allegedly enriched private companies at the expense of students and teachers. This is framed within a larger critique of “market-driven solutions,” arguing that the phrase is a euphemism for the privatisation and exploitation of public resources, drawing parallels to neocolonial practices. Dr. Hoerricks concludes with a call for resistance t...
2025-01-3119 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 127: True Partnerships in Education“Today’s episode advocates for true partnership in education, moving beyond mere co-creation in classrooms. It argues that systemic inequities, such as underfunding and discriminatory practices, hinder genuine collaboration and inclusion. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a teacher at a Title I school, shares personal experiences highlighting these challenges, particularly concerning marginalised students and staff. Dr. Hoerricks proposes solutions involving systemic changes, cultural shifts, and prioritising trust and mutual respect. Ultimately, they envision an educational system where all voices are heard and valued, fostering equity and growth for every community member.”Here’s the link...
2025-01-2918 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 126: Decolonising Classroom UX - Co-Creation in Education“Today’s episode advocates for decolonising the classroom user experience (UX) by shifting from mandated curricula to co-creation. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the current top-down approach mirrors colonial practices, alienating students who don't see the relevance of the material to their lives. Co-creation, involving students and families in curriculum planning, is proposed as a solution, using frameworks like Understanding by Design (UbD). Specific examples in maths demonstrate how connecting abstract concepts to real-world applications increases student engagement. Dr. Hoerricks also addresses challenges to implementing co-creation and offers solutions to overcome them.”Here...
2025-01-2816 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 125: Autistic Employment in a Rigged Economy“Today’s episode analyses the challenges autistic individuals face in the US workforce, particularly concerning low wages and systemic barriers to employment. The source article argues that the current capitalist system, characterised by corporate greed and lobbying, exacerbates these issues, with large corporations benefiting from low wages and exploiting loopholes in labor laws. The author of the article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, connects this to the difficulties autistic people experience accessing adequate support, highlighting the impact of restrictive diagnostic criteria and advocating for systemic changes to improve employment outcomes and living standards for autistic adults. They also critique the framing of m...
2025-01-2721 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 124: Full Inclusion Classrooms“Today’s episode critiques the current implementation of “full inclusion” in education, arguing that flawed research, insufficient funding, and systemic cultural biases contribute to its ineffectiveness. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights the lack of resources, inadequate teacher training, and the devaluation of special education teachers as major obstacles. They propose that true inclusion requires a fundamental shift in mindset, prioritising equity and collaboration over cost-cutting measures and standardised testing. This necessitates substantial investment in teacher training, resources, and a cultural change that values all students and educators equally. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a systemic...
2025-01-2623 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 121: Dude, where's my Prado?“Today’s episode examines the stark contrast between the U.S. and Mexican automotive markets, highlighting the limited choices and high prices of vehicles in the U.S. This disparity is attributed to protectionist policies favoring domestic manufacturers and prioritising corporate profits over consumer welfare. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contrasts this with the availability of affordable, efficient cars from Japan and China in Mexico, and China’s success in EV innovation due to a different economic model. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks critiques U.S. capitalism for stifling innovation and consumer choice, advocating for systemic change to ach...
2025-01-2312 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 120: The Lexicographer and the Fae“Today’s episode uses a fictional allegory of a lexicographer studying the "fae" to critique the "decoding" of autism through artificial intelligence. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, draws parallels between the lexicographer's imposition of order on a misunderstood culture and current research that aims to categorize and "solve" autistic behaviors. This approach, Dr. Hoerricks argues, mirrors a colonial mindset, prioritising the observer's framework over the lived experiences of the autistic community, resulting in a loss of nuance and autonomy. Dr. Hoerricks ultimately warns against this reductive approach, emphasising the importance of centering autistic voices and expe...
2025-01-2211 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 118a: A Coronation Day Lament - Imperial Power and the Illusion of Democracy“Today’s bonus episode critiques the United States' presidential inauguration as a coronation of an emperor rather than a democratic event. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the pomp and circumstance mask the reality of imperial power, sustained by executive orders that serve as royal decrees, silencing dissent and reinforcing a whitewashed history. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the perpetuation of myths like American exceptionalism to justify oppression and exploitation, both domestically and internationally. They highlight the role of corporate interests and the suppression of critical theory in maintaining this imperial hegemony, urging a focus on trut...
2025-01-2017 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 118: TikTok is dead. Long live TikTok.“Today’s episode analyses the forced sale / banning of TikTok, framing it as a modern-day enclosure mirroring historical land grabs. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the move serves corporate and governmental interests in consolidating control over cyberspace and suppressing dissenting voices, particularly those of marginalised communities who found refuge on the platform. TikTok’s organic algorithm, which amplified grassroots content and counter-narratives, is contrasted with Meta’s rage-inducing algorithm, which prioritises profit over well-being. Dr. Hoerricks connects this digital enclosure to imperialism and the surveillance state, highlighting the loss of a vital space for marg...
2025-01-2020 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 116: Don't Panic!“Today’s episode examines the harmful framing of neurodiversity and gender diversity as societal problems, arguing that this narrative stems from societal expectations rooted in a Calvinist-influenced worldview emphasising conformity and control. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques the disproportionate attention given to these relatively small populations, highlighting how this focus distracts from larger systemic issues and perpetuates marginalisation. They contend that parental expectations, often fueled by a desire for societal validation, contribute to the problem by viewing children as extensions of parental identity rather than autonomous individuals. Finally, Dr. Hoerricks proposes simple, inclusive adjustments that...
2025-01-1814 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 115: What Slide Rules Can Teach Today's Students“Today’s episode advocates for the use of slide rules in modern mathematics education, particularly for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, details the history of the slide rule, highlighting its role in scientific and engineering advancements. They then explain the mechanics of the slide rule, emphasising its hands-on, tactile nature as a key advantage over digital calculators. Dr. Hoerricks argues that this tactile learning approach fosters deeper understanding and engagement, especially for students who struggle with abstract concepts and text-heavy instruction. Finally, they propose practical classroom implementations, suggesting ways to i...
2025-01-1711 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 114: Lost in Translation“Today’s episode critically analyses a study on the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autistic children in institutional care in Wuhan, China. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights the limitations of the study, specifically its narrow focus on institutionalised boys and short-term, compliance-based outcomes. Dr. Hoerricks criticises the tendency within the ABA community to promote such research without acknowledging its context and limitations, thereby misleading stakeholders. The ethical implications of prioritising behavioral conformity over the well-being and self-determination of autistic individuals are also discussed. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for a more nuanced, incl...
2025-01-1619 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 113: He Who Shrank“Today’s episode analyses Henry Hasse’s 1936 science fiction story, “He Who Shrank,” arguing that its themes and structure resonate strongly with AuDHD (autistic individuals with ADHD) characteristics. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, explores the story’s recursive narrative, boundless imagination, and existential depth as reflections of neurodivergent thought processes. They further examine the enigmatic author, Henry Hasse, whose limited biographical information adds to the mystery. Finally, Dr. Hoerricks suggests discussion questions and activities to facilitate further exploration of the story’s themes from both neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives.”Here’s the link to the source arti...
2025-01-1514 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 110: The Glass Bead Game of Life“Today’s episode is a personal essay reflecting on Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ experience reading Hermann Hesse’s Das Glasperlenspiel (The Glass Bead Game) in its original German. The author, an autistic trans woman and Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), connects the book’s themes of structured introspection, layered discovery, and cyclical time to their own life journey. Dr. Hoerricks explores the challenges of translation, both linguistic and personal, highlighting how the nuances of the German language mirror the complexities of their identity and experience. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks finds parallels between the book’s Glass Bead Game and their own life's process of s...
2025-01-1210 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 107: Fossil Capitalism“Today’s episode argues that capitalism's inherent pursuit of profit is fundamentally incompatible with addressing the climate crisis. The source article from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks uses Andreas Malm's Fossil Capital to support their claim that the fossil fuel economy was deliberately structured to maximise exploitation, and this logic continues to hinder the transition to renewable energy. Dr. Hoerricks illustrates this argument with a case study of their community's failed solar energy initiative, a hypothetical example of a community-based thorium reactor, and an analysis of a YouTube video critiquing corporate greenwashing. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for systemic change beyond capitalism, draw...
2025-01-0914 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 97: The Perils of H.R. 5349“Today’s episode critiques H.R. 5349, a bill presented as an educational initiative on communism but argued to be a tool for ideological indoctrination promoting capitalism. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, connects the bill to a broader history of U.S. interventionism against socialist movements and the CIA’s role in shaping narratives. Dr. Hoerricks, a public school teacher, emphasises the importance of critical thinking and balanced education to counter the bill’s restrictive agenda and promote intellectual freedom, ultimately advocating for systemic change beyond simply opposing H.R. 5349. Dr. Hoerricks uses the Cuban Revolution and U.S...
2024-12-3019 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 91: Designing Classroom User Experiences“Today’s episode discusses Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ journey from a traditional, teacher-centered approach to a student-centered, inclusive model. Dr. Hoerricks, an autistic educator, advocates for designing classroom instruction to meet the needs of the student requiring the most support, thereby creating a universally accessible learning environment. This approach, inspired by Paulo Freire's philosophy, prioritises student voice and agency, resulting in improved academic outcomes and a stronger sense of belonging. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the importance of a mindset shift, viewing the classroom as a “user experience” to be thoughtfully designed for all learners. Ultimately, the piece promotes a more equitable and effect...
2024-12-2411 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 89: Who is Really Dysregulated?“Autism Parenting Magazine, a publication aimed at parents of autistic children, is criticised in today’s episode for its consistently deficit-focused approach to autism. Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, an autistic special education teacher, argues that the magazine’s articles pathologise autistic behaviours, framing them as problems needing correction rather than natural responses to environmental factors. This perspective ignores the Social Model of Disability and the Power Threat Meaning Framework, which emphasise societal barriers and power dynamics as contributing factors to autistic distress. Dr. Hoerricks further condemns the magazine's exclusion of autistic voices and its reliance on outdated research, ultimately advocating for a...
2024-12-2212 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 86: Ode to Jessica 6“Today’s episode examines a personal essay reflecting on Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ lifelong fascination with the character Jessica 6 from the film Logan’s Run. Dr. Hoerricks, a trans woman, explores how Jessica 6, viewed through a feminist and autistic lens, served as a powerful, proto-trans figure in their own journey of self-discovery. They use the character to examine themes of authenticity, societal expectations, and the transformative power of self-acceptance, further exploring the concept of retrocausality to explain how their current identity informs their understanding of past experiences. Finally, Dr. Hoerricks celebrates this connection through poetry, highlighting Jessica 6's enduring impact.”Here’...
2024-12-1916 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 83: Alexithymia“Today’s episode examines a study linking slow improvements in childhood emotional regulation to later ADHD, internalising, and conduct problems. Dr. Jaime Hoerricks argues that the study overlooks alexithymia—difficulty identifying, sourcing, and describing emotions—as a significant contributing factor in some children with ADHD and autism. Alexithymia, Dr. Hoerricks contends, can explain variations in emotional dysregulation within neurodivergent populations and necessitates targeted interventions focusing on emotional awareness. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for increased recognition of alexithymia in research, education, and clinical settings to improve support for neurodivergent children. Ultimately, they emphasise a more nuanced understanding of emotional challenges in these po...
2024-12-1611 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 75: Detecting Propaganda“Today’s episode analyses an article from Disability Scoop, arguing that it subtly promotes a far-right agenda by downplaying the negative consequences of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Jaime Hoerricks contends that the article’s framing aligns with neocolonial, neoliberal, and neoconservative ideologies, which prioritise deregulation and privatisation (aka, wealth transfer), ultimately harming marginalised groups. Using Argentina as a case study, Dr. Hoerricks demonstrates how these policies exacerbate inequality. The episode concludes with a call for media literacy, urging readers to critically evaluate news sources and amplify voices advocating for disability justice. Finally, Dr. Hoerricks highlights the da...
2024-12-0714 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 69: When the Problems of Society are Blamed on Autism“In today’s episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks critiques an article by Hari Srinivasan, a neuroscience PhD student, that discusses loneliness among autistic individuals. Dr. Hoerricks challenges Srinivasan's framing, arguing it blames autistic people for societal issues rather than addressing systemic problems. They contend that Srinivasan's use of person-first language and reliance on a medical model of autism are problematic. The critique also addresses Srinivasan's appeal to authority through listing his affiliations, and the article's focus on support staff turnover as a primary cause of loneliness, overlooking autistic community and connection. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks advocates for systemic change to support dive...
2024-12-0117 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 67: When you don't fit the standard for standardised tests.“In today’s episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a Level 2 autistic Gestalt Language Processor (GLP), describes the significant challenges they face while preparing for the Praxis English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) certification exam. The standardised testing format, heavily reliant on analytical processing and rote memorisation, clashes with Hoerricks' GLP learning style, creating immense anxiety and hindering their ability to retain information. Hoerricks argues that the exam's design fails to accommodate neurodivergent learners, emphasising the need for more inclusive testing methods that value diverse cognitive styles. This personal experience highlights broader systemic issues within education, advocating for a fundamental shif...
2024-11-2911 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 66: From Nocturnal Panic Attacks to a Collection of Poetry“In today’s episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a trans woman and autistic gestalt processor, recounts their journey of finding their voice through poetry. They describe experiencing a heightened ability to express themself after beginning hormone replacement therapy, allowing them to articulate feelings and experiences previously inaccessible. This newfound ability is reflected in the poems “Unseen Steps” and “Beyond Two Sigma,” which address themes of invisibility, identity, and societal expectations. Dr. Hoerricks uses these poems to explore the concept of existing “beyond two sigma,” a statistical term highlighting Dr. Hoerricks’ experience living outside the “mean” or societal norms, and finding beauty and possibility...
2024-11-2816 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 62: Did You Vote for Project 2025?“Today’s episode analyses the Trump administration's “Project 2025,” a proposed policy roadmap intended to restructure American institutions. Dr. Jaime Hoerricks argues that the project represents a dangerous shift toward neoliberalism and neocolonialism, with policies aimed at dismantling public goods, exacerbating inequality, and consolidating power in the hands of a wealthy elite. Dr. Hoerricks highlights the project's proposed education policies, arguing that they will commodify public education, prioritise religious instruction over critical thinking, and promote a narrow, exclusionary cultural narrative. Dr. Hoerricks further criticises the project's economic policies, arguing that they will entrench economic hierarchies through debt, credentialism, and the devaluin...
2024-11-2412 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 52: California's new IEP translation law“Today’s episode analyses California's new law requiring Individualised Education Program (IEP) templates in ten languages. Whilst Dr. Jaime Hoerricks acknowledges the law as a positive step towards inclusivity, they argue that the law’s primary focus on standardised templates fails to address the critical need for translating the individualised content within each IEP, such as a student's specific goals and needs. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that these individualised translations are essential for families to understand their child’s educational plans and advocate effectively, yet the law does not mandate their provision. The article explores the challenges associated with specialised language...
2024-11-1416 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 50: The experience of autistic burnout, inertia, meltdowns, and shutdowns (BIMS)“In today’s episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks explores the experience of autistic burnout, inertia, meltdowns, and shutdowns (BIMS). Dr. Hoerricks argues that these phenomena are not personal failings but responses to the pressures of a world designed for neurotypical individuals. Drawing upon the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), Dr. Hoerricks explains how societal structures create power imbalances that threaten autistic individuals, leading to BIMS. The article offers scripts and strategies for managing BIMS, including honoring rest, practicing interoceptive awareness, and cultivating self-compassion. Whilst these strategies can help individuals cope, Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the need for systemic change to create envi...
2024-11-1237 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 49: Psychobiotics?“In this episode, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, critiques the current research landscape surrounding autism, specifically criticising studies focused on the gut microbiome and its potential link to autistic traits. Dr. Hoerricks argues that these studies perpetuate harmful narratives about autism, portraying it as a deviation that needs to be “cured” rather than embraced. They further decry the substantial funding dedicated to these studies whilst neglecting critical needs like housing, healthcare, and employment for autistic individuals. Dr. Hoerricks emphasises that these studies fail to acknowledge the systemic barriers faced by autistic people, ultimately advocating for shifting research priorities to prioritize support and em...
2024-11-1120 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 46: Enough with the 'treatments' already“In today’s ‘bonus episode,’ Dr. Jaime Hoerricks argues that autism research has historically focused on “treating” autistic individuals, aiming to modify their behaviors and make them more like neurotypical individuals. Dr. Hoerricks contends that this approach ignores the real-world needs of autistic people, who face challenges in areas such as employment, housing, and sensory sensitivities. Instead, Dr. Hoerricks emphasises the need for research that prioritizes practical support, such as sensory-friendly environments and inclusive education, to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals. The author criticises research funded by the AutismCARES Act, which they argue focuses on genetic research aim...
2024-11-0823 min
The AutSide PodcastEpisode 42: HRT and Improved Communication Skills“This is a personal essay by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, describing their experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its surprising effects on their cognitive abilities and creative expression. Dr. Hoerricks details how HRT has dramatically enhanced their writing, leading to a more spontaneous and fluent style, as well as expanded their creative range to include poetry and flash fiction. They also discuss the impact of HRT on their communication, making it more confident and open, and the newfound cognitive clarity that allows them to handle complex tasks with greater ease. Hoerricks concludes by reflecting on the lack of research in...
2024-11-0515 min