Episode 294: Optionality and Autistic Support - A Budgetary Betrayal

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Recorded15 Jul 2025

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Today’s episode argues that the new budget bill, signed into law in the US, effectively dismantles essential support for autistic individuals by classifying vital services as “optional” under Medicaid. Whilst the Bill nominally protects disabled children’s eligibility, it strips away the funding for critical supports like in-home care, communication therapies, and educational aides, rendering those “rights” meaningless in practice. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that this is a calculated act of systemic abandonment, disguised as fiscal responsibility and administrative reform, with profound and devastating consequences for autistic people, their families, and the professionals who support them. Ultimately, she calls for collective action and solidarity to counter this “policy violence,” emphasising that the current system is not broken but functioning as designed to marginalise vulnerable populations.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/optional-until-its-you-the-quietLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.