If what we’re doing isn’t working,
why do we keep doing it?
Photo of a Black child sitting with head in folded arms. You cannot see the child’s face.
Behaviorism for beginners
able·ism /ˈābəˌlizəm/ noun A system of assigning value to people's bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, productivity, desirability, intelligence, excellence, and fitness. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in eugenics, anti-Blackness, misogyny, colonialism, imperialism, and capitalism. This systemic oppression that leads to people and society determining people's value based on their culture, age, language, appearance, religion, birth or living place, "health/wellness", and/or their ability to satisfactorily re/produce, "excel" and "behave." You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism.
working definition by @TalilaLewis, updated January 2022, developed in community with disabled Black & negatively racialized folks. Read more: bit.ly/ableism2022
1. Genesis of the most popular “autism therapy” which has been banned for LGTBQIA children in Washington State which was used to author this popular paper
2. Conversion therapy for LGBTQIA youth is harmful for autistic children as well
5. Why don’t we say “Asperger’s”syndrome anymore?
6. Why are disabled people referred to as “broken?”
7. Behaviorism permeates our children’s lives.
8. Autism is a valid neurotype that should be respected rather than “cured”
9. Disabled children deserve better than pervasive and persistent behaviorism
10. The end result of pervasive behaviorism
11. NPR story examines the history and myths of the autism spectrum