Andrew Jones

My dissertation examines how psychedelic drugs made their way into American child psychiatry in the 1960s. I trace the stories of three groups of psychiatric experts who used LSD in radically different ways to help children described as "isolated" or "withdrawn" make connections with other people. This project contributes to histories of autism and critical mental health studies by exploring how children reacted to these therapeuitc approaches which sought to "normalize" their interpersonal relationships. 

Before joining the IHPST, I completed my BA and MA at the University of British Columbia in Philosophy and Science and Technology Studies. After being exposed to the rich and largely uncharted medical history of psychedelic drugs, I decided to switch to a more historical focus for my PhD. My doctoral research is funded by a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship. Feel free to send me an email to chat or to request a CV!