Episode 377: Autistic Cognition, Aging, and the Cognitive Test Trap

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Recorded06 Oct 2025

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Today’s episode provides a detailed, first-person narrative and analysis of the challenges faced by an AuDHD gestalt language processor (GLP) during routine cognitive health screening for aging. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that standard assessments like the MMSE and MoCA are designed for neurotypical, analytical processing and thus fail to accurately measure the cognition of neurodivergent individuals, often leading to trauma and misrepresentation of abilities. Dr. Hoerricks describes how the highly structured, timed, and sensory-overloading testing environment triggered a meltdown and panic attack, underscoring the need for a radically different, neuro-affirming testing ecology that prioritises low-sensory settings, flexible pacing, and context-aware interpretation, including factors like TBI history, mood, and hormonal therapy (HRT). Ultimately, she calls on clinicians to change their tools and practices, providing an advocacy kit for neurodivergent individuals to navigate and insist on accommodations within the current healthcare system.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/when-the-test-is-the-trapageing-cognitionLet 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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