Episode 301: Autism Subtypes - Whiteness, Exclusion, and the Politics of Classification

Today’s episode critically examines a new study claiming to identify four ‘autism subtypes’ through genetic and behavioural data, arguing that this research primarily centres white children of European ancestry, overlooks lived experiences of autistic individuals, and ultimately serves systems of control and classification rather than genuine care. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that such studies, despite being presented as breakthroughs, perpetuate existing biases within autism research by relying on data and diagnostic tools normed on dominant Western populations. Furthermore, Dr. Hoerricks suggests that the pursuit of these “subtypes” is driven by institutional desires for order and predictability—benefiting academics, funders, and pharmaceutical interests—rather than the actual needs for support and understanding within the autistic community, particularly for marginalized groups. She concludes by advocating for research rooted in the experiences and autonomy of autistic people, rejecting categorization that alienates and disempowers.

Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-aspiration-of-subtypes-whose

Let me know what you think.