Welcome to The AutSide
Come in to the AutSide. See how far the rabbit hole goes.
Like many autistic people, I’ve been a researcher for most of my life. Although the formal structure of my research began after gaining independent access to the verbal world at 34, I’ve conducted informal investigations (aka, autistic deep dives) into topics of deep interest since before I can remember.
Today, my research focuses on authentic autistic experiences, the antagonism of medical “science,” time and teleology, and what we autistic gestalt processors (often mislabelled as “non-verbal”) can teach the verbal, non-autistic world about a myriad of things. I also explore my experiences as an autistic trans woman, weaving together threads of gender, neurodivergence, and societal constructs.
If you’re unfamiliar with autistic deep dives, imagine a fascination so compelling that it becomes a lens for viewing the world. This kind of focus turns curiosity into expertise, and expertise into lived experience. It’s an immersive way of learning and processing, and it’s what has shaped not just my research, but my entire life.
As for my background, I come from a land not marked on any map, a place where words grow like moss, slow and deliberate, and where being is valued over having. In this fourth act of my life, I stand as an expat from Værensland, finally settled in my own skin, embracing the flow of my journey. But before you see who I am today, you must first understand the journey it took to get here.
The Four Acts of My Life
Act I – A child adrift in a sea of tragic circumstances, abuse, and emotional neglect. The world offered no handholds, only loss and chaos. There was no connection, no grounding. This act was the story of survival, of making it through the noise with nothing but fragments of myself held together by sheer will.
Act II – An illiterate wanderer, drifting from one odd job to another, living by brute strength, anger, and violence. I became a champion athlete, finding solace in the disciplined movements of martial arts and the rigor of sports. My hands knew the language of strength long before they knew the dance of words. It was during this act that I first glimpsed literacy, a crack of light that promised more.
Act III – A bridge to light. Freemasonry brought me community, a grounding in something ancient and enduring. My career in forensic science opened doors to a world of order and answers, and I travelled the globe chasing both. Emerging literacy allowed me to navigate this new landscape, and I began to carve out a family, a career, and an identity beyond anger. It was also here that I finally received the answers I had sought my entire life: my autism diagnosis. It was a moment of revelation, a key that unlocked a new understanding of myself.
Act IV – This is where you find me now. I have retired from forensic science, but my work continues in the form of thousands of articles, papers, and multiple books. I am now a schoolteacher, a PhD, a storyteller, a poet, and finally—after all these years—out in the open as a trans woman. This act is not the end but a new beginning, one where I fully embrace my identity, my neurodivergence, and the joy of creating. In this act, I weave my experiences into words, offering them to others who might find resonance in the rhythms of this strange, beautiful journey.
Digital Delayed Echolalia and Life as a Gestalt Language Processor
For those unfamiliar with delayed echolalia, it was my primary mode of communication in youth. Now, I use it in more complex ways, creating fully formed thoughts and lines of reasoning. This practice has evolved into what I call digital delayed echolalia: a way of translating the depth and breadth of my inner world into written form, where it can be shared with others. By publishing here, I ensure my words convey my intent clearly, and I provide readers with the flexibility to engage with my work at their own pace.
Being a Gestalt Language Processor in a world not designed with us in mind is both challenging and illuminating. GLPs often absorb and express language in chunks or scripts rather than individual words. These scripts carry meaning far beyond their original context, allowing us to connect and communicate in unique ways. However, the world’s systems—education, communication, and social interaction—rarely account for this. As a result, GLPs are often misunderstood, our ways of processing dismissed or pathologized. Through my work, I aim to shed light on what it means to navigate this world as a GLP, and how embracing our unique linguistic styles can enrich our shared understanding of humanity.
The AutSide explores all things that interest me, expanding into topics like policy, politics, religion, research, gender, and the diverse spectrum of experiences—all viewed through an authentically autistic and trans lens. Occasionally, I also share a new poem or news of a new book project with readers and supporters, offering a glimpse into my creative process and ongoing endeavours.—all viewed through an authentically autistic lens.
More About Me
I’m Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, an autistic gestalt processor, trans woman, and advocate in my 50s. I hold three master’s degrees, a PhD, and have authored best-selling books. I’m a public speaker and lecturer, and I’ve found ways to align my occupational therapy goals with paid opportunities. I’m also a former four-term elected official, ending my ‘political career’ by serving as President of my local water utility’s Board of Directors for three terms.
By vocation, I’m a credentialled special education teacher in Los Angeles, California. My students call me Dr. H. I approach my work and advocacy with the belief that the autistic neurotype, along with our unique experiences of gender and identity, deserves respect and understanding. My pronouns are they/them.
My Publications
I have authored ten books thus far, though my earlier works were either government publications in the forensic sciences or “works for hire” and are not listed here. This is in addition to an entire 300 & 400 series of curricula for an undergraduate degree in Digital Multimedia Forensics, an effort that died at the end of the Obama administration. This is also in addition for almost two thousand articles and journal papers related to my previous career written as my literacy skills developed.
The bulk of my current writing has emerged since the pandemic, reflecting a deeply personal and expansive journey into topics that matter most to me. These recent works encompass themes of neurodivergence, identity, and societal critique, offering readers an authentic lens into my life and research.
No Place for Autism? (2023)
… and of course, the many, many articles found herein.
Engagement and Support
I strive to make my work accessible. To enable paid subscriptions, I’ve set a modest minimum fee equivalent to a fancy cup of coffee. Beyond that, I employ a value-for-value model. If my work resonates with you, I encourage you to contribute what you feel the time spent with my writing is worth. I also recognise that financial constraints affect many, particularly autistic individuals navigating systemic barriers. Contribute what you can, if and when you can—time, talent, or treasure.
Sharing my articles is encouraged. All I ask is that you share the original Substack link. For sustaining members, I offer one-on-one chats as a thank you. We can discuss topics of your choosing in hour-long sessions—a chance to dive deep into what matters most to you or explore shared interests.
I value your trust. I do not spam subscribers, nor do I sell user data.
Final Thoughts
This is a space for authentic dialogue and exploration. My opinions are my own, and I always cite references for my work. I typically frame my writing within the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), Critical Theory, and Marxist critiques, as opposed to the medical or social models. I understand these frameworks may be controversial in some circles, and I always explain myself, remaining transparent in my reasoning. My opinion pieces are usually heavily hyperlinked, transforming what could be a 10-20 minute read into a multi-hour deep dive for those inclined to explore further.
With the advent of Google’s NotebookLM, I’ve also added a daily “Deep Dive” audio podcast, where “the hosts” delve into the previous day’s article. This podcast allows for a richer, more conversational exploration of the topics that matter most to me and my readers.
Whether you’re here to learn, share, or support, I look forward to engaging with you as we navigate the complex, beautiful, and challenging world from the AutSide.
Thank you for your time and support.
Dr. Jaime Hoerricks
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