Episode 382: Refusing Their Lexicon—Autism Research, Morality, and Control

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Recorded11 Oct 2025

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Today’s episode examines a critical essay refuting the methodology and underlying assumptions of a 2024 Cambridge study on the moral foundations of autistic people, particularly focusing on research by the Baron-Cohen cohort. The author of that essay, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the study, which suggests autistic people favor Fairness over Care and exhibit libertarian tendencies, is not objective science but a form of “soft eugenics” aiming to define and control the autistic community through a “deficit narrative.” Dr. Hoerricks contends that the research relies on the flawed Empathising–Systemising framework and measures assimilation to neurotypical moral language, not genuine ethics, serving ultimately to justify policy decisions that dismantle support systems. She concludes by advocating for a “counter-canon” of resistance, urging readers to map the network of Cambridge-affiliated research to expose its ideological function and preserve autistic fidelity to truth and relational ethics.Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/refusing-their-lexicon-how-cambridgesLet 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.