We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation – with Eric Garcia

We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation – with Eric Garcia

Author: Carolyn Kiel April 4, 2022 Duration: 46:23

Why has public discourse about autism been dominated by non-autistic voices? And, what's been happening recently to change this?

My guest Eric Garcia breaks this down in today's episode! Eric is a journalist based in Washington DC and the senior Washington correspondent for The Independent. He is also the author of the book, "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation" which was published in 2021.

During this episode, you will hear Eric talk about:

  • Why non-autistic voices have traditionally dominated the public conversation about autism
  • How government policies have shaped and evolved the public's perceptions about autism
  • Including a wide variety of autistic people's experiences in his book – including non-speaking autistic people – as well as his own experiences as an autistic Latino man
  • How writing this book helped him confront some of his own biases – and what he learned about becoming a better ally and learning from criticism
  • Where the public can find accurate information about autism and the autistic community
  • How social media has helped autistic people share their experiences, amplify their voices and effect change (for example, by calling out harmful autistic stereotypes about autism in a recent movie by a certain singer)

Buy Eric's book, "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation"

Read Eric's National Journal article (the precursor to "We're Not Broken")

Check out Eric's recommendations for other helpful autism resources:
The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child
#ActuallyAutistic on Twitter – hashtag used by autistic content creators (a good place to listen to autistic people, and especially helpful if you're newly-diagnosed autistic)
#AskingAutistics on Twitter – use this hashtag to post questions you want to ask autistic people

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

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Click here for the episode transcript.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
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