The Other Autism

Substance Use Disorder and Autism

March 3, 2023

Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions, Autism News
Season two, episode seven is here: Substance Use Disorder and Autism

Recent research indicates that many autistic people might have co-occurring substance use disorder. Let’s talk about what this entails and reasons for autistic folks turning to substances in the first place.

Topics discussed also include:
- Substance use disorder according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
- How those with ADHD + autism may be at an even greater risk for developing substance use disorder (SUD)
- The problem with current SUD treatment options
- Other risk factors unique to autistic individuals that put them at greater risk for developing substance misuse and/or substance use disorder
If you’d like to know more about this topic, check out:

“Autism and Co-occurring Substance Use” by Espen Ajo Arnevik and Sissel Berge Helverschou

“Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Substance Use and Abuse in Individuals With Autism” by Madelaine Ressel et al.

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Nicola Rowan-Brooks and Late Autism Diagnosis at 55

February 22, 2023

Adult Autism, Autistic Experience, Interview With An Autistic Person, Late-Diagnosed Autism
Pictured: Nicola Rowan-Brooks at 21 when she graduated from Durham University in 1989.

Season two, episode six is here: Nicola Rowan-Brooks and Late Autism Diagnosis at 55

Hear Nicola Rowan-Brooks’s story about being diagnosed by Sarah Hendrickx at the age of 55. Nicola shares the impact of her autism diagnosis and what life was like growing up undiagnosed in the UK.

Nicola runs an online business restoring teddy bears. Her website is called Ambrosia Bears.

If you’d like to know more about this topic, check out:

“Girls and Women and Autism: What’s the Difference?” [YouTube video] by Sarah Hendrickx

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Exposing Violence in ABA: An Interview With Ciara Harte

February 14, 2023

Autism Interventions, Deficit Model of Autism, History of Autism Knowledge
Season two, episode five is here: Exposing Violence in ABA: An Interview With Ciara Harte

Ciara Harte is a neurodivergent counsellor based in Victoria, British Columbia. In this episode, Kristen and Ciara chat about Ciara’s critical discourse analysis of ABA. Ciara has firsthand experience working with applied behaviour analysis principles and practices, and was heavily involved in ABA for a few years.

Topics discussed also include:
- A brief history of ABA
- The interactional and discursive view of violence and resistance + response-based practice
- The problem of informed consent and ABA
- The ways autistic children enact resistance during applied behaviour analysis
If you’d like to know more about this topic, check out:

“Reframing Compliance: Exposing Violence Within Applied Behaviour Analysis” by Ciara Harte

Ciara Harte Counselling website

“Autistic Experiences of Applied Behaviour Analysis” by Laura Anderson

“Quiet Hands” by Julia Bascom

Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis: History, Philosophy, Principles, and Basic Methods by Wayne W. Fisher et al.

“The Line Between Intervention and Abuse: Autism and Applied Behaviour Analysis” by Patrick Kirkham

“Evidence of Increased PTSD Symptoms in Autistics Exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis” by Henny Kupferstein

“Invisible Abuse: ABA and the Things Only Autistic People Can See” by C. L. Lynch

“I Am a Disillusioned BCBA: Autistics Are Right About ABA” by Jo Ram

“Publication Bias in Studies of an Applied Behavior-Analytic Intervention: An Initial Analysis” by Elyssa Sham and Tristram Smith

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Leslie and Autism Self-Diagnosis

February 6, 2023

Adult Autism, Autism Diagnosis, Autistic Experience, Interview With An Autistic Person
Season two, episode four is here: Leslie and Autism Self-Diagnosis

Hear Leslie’s story about stumbling upon autism later in life, and the series of aha moments that ensued.

Leslie previously worked in animation on feature films such as FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas, and Space Jam. She is now a freelance graphic designer crafting bespoke graphics and brand development for rogues, disruptors, and obsessives in California.

Topics discussed also include:
- Reasons why some people don’t pursue formal autism diagnosis
- Intense empathy experienced by many on the spectrum
- Responses of loved ones to news of a potential autism diagnosis
- Some challenges with online autism screening tests
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Adverse Drug Reactions in Autism

February 1, 2023

Autism and Co-Occurring Conditions, Autistic Experience
Season two, episode three is here: Adverse Drug Reactions in Autism. I respond to a listener question, go through some of the available research, and talk about my own strange and sometimes scary reactions.

Also, Buzzsprout has a new feature called The Other Autism+ where you can become a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month! Please help me brainstorm special supporter-only content! Email your ideas to kristen.hovet@gmail.com!

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The Medical (Deficit) Versus Social Models of Autism

January 23, 2023

Deficit Model of Autism, History of Autism Knowledge
Season two, episode two is here: The Medical Versus Social Models of Autism. With this episode, I’m responding to a few listeners who wrote in asking to hear more about the difference between the two, and how one of the models is driven by the neurodiversity movement.

I’m also putting a call out to listeners who are interested in sharing their late diagnosis stories, either via Zoom call or email. Please write to kristen.hovet@gmail.com if you’re interested! Your story could be featured in an upcoming episode!

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Substance Use Disorder and Autism

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Nicola Rowan-Brooks and Late Autism Diagnosis at 55

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Exposing Violence in ABA: An Interview With Ciara Harte

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Leslie and Autism Self-Diagnosis

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Adverse Drug Reactions in Autism

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The Medical (Deficit) Versus Social Models of Autism

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