Episode 228: Theory and Practice Converge in Language Education
“Today’s episode reflects on the convergence of academic research on dialogic literacy, specifically Ruth Newman’s 2025 study on metalinguistic understanding, and classroom practice, highlighted by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ 2024 book, Holistic Language Instruction. Dr. Hoerricks argues that whilst emerging from different contexts, both works advocate for inclusive and dialogic language instruction that empowers students, particularly neurodivergent and multilingual learners, to become active meaning-makers rather than passive recipients of information. They emphasise the shared belief that metalinguistic development is accessible to all and is fostered through intentional framing questions and responsive teacher talk moves that value students’ diverse linguistic contributions and backgrounds. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks proposes that educator-generated theory from the field is a vital and legitimate form of knowledge that aligns with and is validated by academic research.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/converging-paths-dialogic-literacyLet 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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14:55
Episode 227: The Diagnostic Cage
“Today’s episode argues that recent proposals in the UK requiring neurodivergent trans youth to undergo extensive diagnostic evaluations are not supportive measures, but rather a strategy of containment and gatekeeping. This approach, they contend, uses diagnosis as a means to delay and question the validity of gender identity, particularly for those who do not conform to systemic expectations of presentation or narrative. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, highlights how this practice fits into a historical pattern of using diagnosis to control marginalised communities and argues that autistic individuals, with their aptitude for pattern recognition, are uniquely equipped to identify these tactics. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks asserts that sovereignty and self-knowledge, not diagnostic labels, are what the system fears most.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-diagnostic-cage-when-supportLet 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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15:52
Episode 226: The Cailleach Returns
“Today’s episode explores the idea that trans femininity, particularly for trans women, challenges traditional, restrictive definitions of womanhood by revealing its constructed and enforced nature. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, draws a parallel between the fear directed at trans women today and the ancient, mythic fear associated with figures like the Cailleach, a powerful, untameable crone figure, suggesting this fear stems from anything feminine that resists control and classification. Dr. Hoerricks argues that trans women's existence is an act of sovereignty and endurance that exposes the artificial boundaries of gender, rather than distorting womanhood itself. Ultimately, they posit that trans women are not anomalies but represent a return to older truths about femininity that have been suppressed by systems seeking to contain and define it.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-cailleach-returns-trans-femininityLet 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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9:39
Episode 225: Screams, Softness, and Seeing Patriarchy
“Today’s episode argues for reading Andrea Dworkin’s work now, not necessarily to agree with her, but to understand the continued and evolving nature of patriarchy. Whilst Dworkin used a “scream” to confront the brutal forms of male power, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, suggests their own approach, a “softness” rooted in neuroqueer femmeness and martial practice, serves as a complementary form of resistance against the system Dworkin identified, which has now taken on quieter, administrative, and policy-driven forms. Dr. Hoerricks’ highlights how contemporary issues like anti-trans legislation, “trad wife” trends, and incentives for reproduction demonstrate the ongoing effort to control women's bodies and futures, mirroring the core logic Dworkin dissected decades ago. Ultimately, reading Dworkin is presented as an uncomfortable but essential act for recognising and resisting the persistent structures of domination, even if her work had limitations regarding inclusivity.”Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/screams-and-softness-why-andrea-dworkinLet 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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10:34
Episode 224: Returning to Moominvalley - A Radical Education
“Today’s episode explores Dr. Jaime Hoerricks’ connection to the Moomin books, seeing them as coded with themes of autism, queerness, and anti-capitalist gentleness. Inspired by a memory of these children’s books given by their grandmother, Dr. Hoerricks examines how Moominvalley offers a space where difference is accepted and emotional truth is valued. Through character analysis and reflections on Tove Jansson’s life, they argue that the Moomin universe provides a blueprint for building gentler worlds and classrooms, particularly for neurodivergent and queer individuals. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks finds a map for their own journey and future work in creating spaces where belonging is inherent and difference is honored.”Here’s a link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/the-valley-that-held-me-returningLet 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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