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Advocates argue for prioritizing autistic voices, acceptance, and accommodations over pursuing outdated "cure" models rooted in colonialist and eugenic ideologies.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 Kentucky
Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism
Mandatory ABA lived-experience - ABA Abuse Traumatizes Autistic Teen (A First Hand Account)
The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List
Scholarly article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability
Scholarly article: Death by Suicide Among People With Autism: Beyond Zebrafish
Video: The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn
Kentucky House Standing Committee - Education
Winter’s website: Translunar Academy
Find Winter’s advocacy group: Autistics United Kentucky Facebook and Instagram
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis
Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic
Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple
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