Protecting Kentucky Kids (Episode 62)

Autistic Advocates Unite: Challenging ABA Mandates in Kentucky Schools* Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, along with advocates Winter and Kat, discuss a concerning push to mandate ABA therapy in Kentucky public schools.* The group strongly opposes this move, highlighting several critical points:* ABA is viewed as unethical by many autistic individuals, focusing on modifying outward behaviors without addressing inner experiences.* ABA operates from a deficit model, aiming to make autistic people appear more neurotypical, regardless of negative masking outcomes.* The “therapy” causes trauma, deepens internalized ableism, and increases the likelihood of suicide among autistic individuals.* Advocates argue for prioritizing autistic voices, acceptance, and accommodations over pursuing outdated "cure" models rooted in colonialist and eugenic ideologies.* They propose alternative investments in teacher training, special education staff (especially autistic educators), sensory rooms, and class support animals as more beneficial for autistic students.* The episode highlights the burnout faced by autistic advocates constantly fighting these battles, emphasizing the need for community support and shared advocacy workload.* A call to action is issued to organize and counter the proposed bill (HCR 51) before it advances, stressing the importance of connecting autistic-led organizations and advocates.* The podcast affirms that autism is an integral part of identity, not a disease to be eliminated, advocating for ethical, compassionate support focused on authentic quality of life for autistic individuals.What kind of neurodiversity-affirming supports would have helped you in school? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!Show notes and resources:Kentucky House concurrent Resolution 51 House of Representatives in KentuckyKentucky Advisory Council on Autism Mandatory ABA lived-experience - ABA Abuse Traumatizes Autistic Teen (A First Hand Account)The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource ListMilton’s Double Empathy StudyScholarly article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disabilityScholarly article: Death by Suicide Among People With Autism: Beyond ZebrafishVideo: The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and LearnKentucky House Standing Committee - EducationWinter’s website: Translunar AcademyFind Winter’s advocacy group: Autistics United Kentucky Facebook and InstagramOther episodes to check out if you liked this one:Episode 36: Bad Autism DiagnosisEpisode 20: Sesame Street is AutisticEpisode 24: The Trouble with TempleReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe