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

Eric Garcia is a journalist and the author of We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. He has worked at The Washington Post, The Hill, Roll Call, National Journal, and MarketWatch; his writing has appeared in The New Republic, The Daily Beast, The American Prospect, and Salon. He currently serves as Senior D.C. Correspondent for The Independent and is active on X/Twitter at @EricMGarcia. In this episode, Tim Villegas talks with Eric Garcia about reframing how society talks about autism—centering autistic voices, prioritizing real supports, and moving away from labels that flatten people’s experiences. Garcia challenges “inspiration” narratives, argues for fully funding and properly delivering IDEA services, and explains why integrated employment and community‑based supports matter for dignity and opportunity. He discusses health care that listens to autistic people, the overlapping struggles of autistic and LGBTQ+ communities, and why terms like “high‑” and “low‑functioning” should give way to talking about support needs. The conversation closes with a hopeful vision: autistic people included in every decision that affects them—across policy, workplaces, and public life. Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/eric-garcia-were-not-broken-changing-the-autism-conversation/