“Today’s episode critiques the prevalent pedagogical approach of “productive struggle,” arguing that its implementation, particularly with curricula like Illustrative Mathematics, often leads to institutional neglect for students with Individualised Education Programs (IEPs) and other marginalised learners. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, contends that the emphasis on independent struggle without adequate support can result in students floundering, experiencing cognitive shutdown, and internalising failure. Instead of fostering growth, this approach can violate legal mandates for access and perpetuate inequitable learning environments by prioritizing curriculum fidelity over individual student needs. Dr. Hoerricks advocates for clear, accessible, and responsive instruction that centers support, honors diverse learning profiles, and rejects the notion that struggle alone equates to meaningful learning or equity.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/when-struggle-isnt-growth-how-productiveLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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17:41
Episode 207: The Long Memory of Gestalts - An Autistic Multilingual Experience
“Today’s episode explores the experience of an autistic, multilingual gestalt language processor (GLP) during a professional development session that felt like a sales pitch. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, recounts feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, culminating in a request to summarise the experience in one word, which prompted the German word “nützlich” (useful) to surface. This seemingly benign word held deeper meaning for the author, reflecting the transactional and performative nature of the session, and highlighted how GLPs access language as whole, emotionally resonant gestalts rather than simply translating words. The narrative further examines the fading fluency of less-used languages and the connection between language, memory, and personal identity for GLPs.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/bis-ans-ende-der-welt-the-long-memoryI know that NotebookLM struggled a bit with this one, the German words and phrases seemed to trip it up. The article has the correct phrasing if you’re interested.Let me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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11:20
Episode 206: Reading the System - Critical Autism Studies and Power
“Today’s episode advocates for the establishment of Critical Autism Studies as a necessary challenge to prevailing power structures and societal norms surrounding autism. It argues that current narratives are often sanitised and controlled by non-autistic voices, neglecting the complex realities and truth-telling of autistic individuals. Drawing a parallel to historical oppressions, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, emphasises the threat of marginalised groups gaining literacy and self-authorship in dismantling dominant ideologies. The proposed program would center autistic experiences, critique the medical model, and foster intersectional understanding whilst envisioning a future built on autistic perspectives and community care, thus subverting capitalist and ableist frameworks.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/reading-the-system-autism-power-andLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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12:46
Episode 205: Solving for Belonging- Reclaiming Maths with Story and Clarity
“Today’s episode presents a reflective journey into creating a math textbook, “The Story of Math,” which aims to be inclusive and accessible, particularly for neurodivergent students and multilingual learners. Inspired by the historical work of al-Khwārizmī and his rhetorical algebra, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks seeks to reclaim mathematics as a human endeavour rooted in story, clarity, and cultural connection rather than abstract symbols and standardised testing. The textbook will utilise narrative and plain language to build understanding before abstraction, incorporating diverse historical and cultural mathematical contributions. Ultimately, the project is envisioned as a way to foster belonging and empower all students to engage with mathematical thinking.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/solving-for-belonging-a-glps-guideLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
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Episode 204: Tartan Day - Memory, Genocide, and the Scottish Diaspora
“Today’s episode is an analysis of a personal essay from Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, who identifies as a descendant of those impacted by the so-called Highland Clearances and also as neurodivergent and trans. Dr. Hoerricks critiques the celebration of Tartan Day in the United States, arguing that it promotes a sanitised version of Scottish heritage that ignores the forced displacement, cultural erasure, and violence inflicted upon the Gaelic people. They connect this historical injustice to modern capitalism and colonialism, suggesting that the Clearances served as a prototype for later exploitative practices. Through personal experiences, including participation in Highland Games, Dr. Hoerricks reflects on the complexities of embodying a heritage marked by both resilience and the erasure of painful truths. Ultimately, the essay is a call for a more honest and critical engagement with Scottish history, one that acknowledges the genocide and remembers the resistance of those who were displaced.”Here’s a link to the source essay: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/what-empire-erases-we-rememberLet me know what you think.The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to The AutSide at autside.substack.com/subscribe
AutSide: A podcast from an autistic trans woman that explores critical issues at the intersection of autism, neurodiversity, gender, and social justice. Dive deep into the realities of living as an autistic adult, critiques of education systems, and the power of storytelling to reshape public narratives. With a unique blend of snark, sharp analysis, and personal experience, each episode challenges societal norms, from the failures of standardized testing to the complexities of identity and revolution. Join the conversation on AutSide, where lived experience and critical theory meet for change. autside.substack.com
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