“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 ideological biases and advocate for a future where autism research prioritises collective care, self-advocacy, and building a world where autistic individuals truly belong. This involves shifting from pathologising differences to creating supportive environments. Dr. Hoerricks critiques the capitalist co-opting of “neurodiversity,” and calls for dismantling systems that value productivity over inherent human worth.”
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/erasure-eugenics-and-the-quest-to
Let me know what you think.
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