In this episode, Ben sits down with Sir Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the most influential yet controversial leading figures in Autism research. As the director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, Simon has spent 40 years shaping how we understand autism, from pioneering diagnostic tools to exploring the genetics behind neurodiversity.

Together, they dive into some of the most hotly debated aspects of his work, confront some uncomfortable truths, and explore the link between autism and unique talents. They also unpack fascinating research into why women with PCOS are more likely to have autistic children.

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode — if you missed it, be sure to catch Part 1 from last week!

00:00 Introduction

1:54 Can You Become Autistic?

3:47 Autism: What Has Simon Proven?

4:39 Why Women With PCOS Are More Likely to Have a Child With Autism

5:48 The Role of Hormones in Autism

6:45 Autism: What Has Simon Changed His Mind On?

7:37 Simon’s Thoughts on His Controversial Work: Genetics

9:00 What is Mind Blindness?

10:58 Why Did Some Not Like This Concept?

12:23 How Simon Deals With Criticism

13:20 Ben: What Could Have You Done to Improve that Situation & How Much Were Autistic People Consulted?

14:26 How Much Do We Know About Autism?

15:53 Autistic Statistics: Autism: Some Dark Home Truths

19:06 Autism Assessment Waiting List Crisis VS Suffering Adults

20:07 Comorbidities VS Neurodivergence

21:58 Autism: What Are The Top 3 Questions That We Need To Know?

23:05 Mortality Rate VS Autism

24:04 Autism VS The Need For Further Research

25:22 Ben The Inventor: Unpacking ‘The Pattern Seekers’ & Autistic People

31:08 Neurodiversity VS Lack Of Role Models

32:40 Autism: Where Will We Be In Ten Years Time?

34:20 Simon’s Green Light Choice

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On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.

Host: Ben Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

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