Pioneer of ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism now says phrase unhelpful
Summary
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, who developed the “extreme male brain” theory of autism, now says the phrase is unhelpful because it causes misunderstandings. He will lead a new £26 million research centre at Cambridge University focused on improving the health and quality of life for autistic people, including studying their physical health risks.Key Facts
- Simon Baron-Cohen created the “extreme male brain” theory, linking autism to strong systemizing skills over empathy.
- He regrets using the phrase “extreme male brain” because it can lead to wrong ideas, such as autistic people lacking empathy.
- A donation of £26 million from US philanthropist Lisa Yang will fund a new autism research centre and a clinical autism centre at Cambridge.
- The research will focus on improving life expectancy, health outcomes, early diagnosis, and practical support for autistic people.
- Recent data suggest autistic people have higher risks of heart disease, especially autistic women who face 71% higher risk of serious heart events.
- Baron-Cohen says autism research has often ignored physical health, despite autistic people tending to die younger.
- The centre will also study issues specific to autistic women, such as childbirth and menstrual distress.
- Past autism community concerns led to the cancellation of a proposed genetic sequencing project involving autistic people.
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