In this episode, we dive into the dark and often overlooked history of autism diagnoses in the United States. From the early days of forced institutionalization and eugenics-driven sterilization policies to the controversial rise of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we explore how systems meant to "treat" or "manage" autistic people often caused deep harm.

We take a hard look at the legacy of Willowbrook State School—a notorious institution where thousands of disabled individuals, many of them autistic, were subjected to abuse, neglect, and medical experimentation. This scandal, and others like it, forced the nation to reckon with how it treated its most vulnerable citizens.

Join us as we trace the roots of ableist policies, examine the medicalization of autism, and highlight the voices of survivors and advocates working to reclaim the narrative and demand justice. This is not just history—it’s a call to remember and to do better.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics including institutional abuse, forced sterilization, and medical neglect, which may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care while listening.