TRIGGERnometry The World's Leading Autism Expert - Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen
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Oct 8, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, a leading expert on autism, dives into the dual nature of autism as both a difference and a disability. He emphasizes the strengths of autistic individuals, especially their extraordinary pattern recognition skills, contributing significantly to innovation. Sir Simon debunks myths about vaccines causing autism, focuses on support for co-occurring conditions rather than seeking a 'cure,' and highlights the unique challenges faced by autistic women. Tune in for insightful takes on autism's complexities!
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Autism As Disability And Difference
- Simon Baron-Cohen defines autism as both a disability and a difference with strengths like attention to detail and pattern recognition.
- He frames autism under neurodiversity, rejecting a single 'normal' brain model.
Pattern Recognition Drives Invention
- Baron-Cohen highlights pattern recognition (systemizing) as an autistic strength linked to invention.
- He argues focusing on strengths can reveal roles autistic people can play in society.
Edison As A Pattern-Seeking Example
- Baron-Cohen recounts 'Al' who became Thomas Edison to illustrate obsessive systemizing in inventors.
- Edison lived in his workshop and named children Dot and Dash, showing lifelong pattern preoccupations.
