Episode 337: Autism as Scapegoat—A UC Davis Case Study

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Recorded27 Aug 2025

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Today’s episode critiques a UC Davis study that claims parental workplace chemical exposure worsens autism, arguing the study’s methodology is flawed and its conclusions are biased. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that the study misrepresents autism as a condition to be “worsened,” rather than a form of neurodiversity, and that its metrics measure deviation from neurotypical norms instead of actual harm. Dr. Hoerricks highlights the overrepresentation of white boys in the study’s sample, suggesting this narrows the definition of autism and erases other autistic populations. Furthermore, she points out contradictions within the study’s own data, where some chemical exposures correlated with improved outcomes, which were dismissed by the researchers. Ultimately, she asserts that the study’s findings are driven by predetermined conclusions and institutional agendas, diverting attention from real issues like unsafe working conditions and environmental injustice by making autism a scapegoat.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/when-autism-becomes-the-scapegoatLet 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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