People seem to have various views about Dr Simon Baran Cohen latest research indicating that really intelligent parents ie engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians are more likely to have children with an ASD. Some opinions include – yes Simon we kind of know this already and how much more are you spending researching this fairly obvious stuff!
I agree this banter has been around a while. Temple Grandin cites in her wonderful book “Thinking in Pictures” that’s its not unusual to her that the majority of hits she gets on her web page appear to be from Silicon Valley. However, i have to say i am a big fan of Mr Cohen – not only is he related to one of the most talented comedians (Sasha Baran Cohen) but i love his research and the concept of theory of mind was revolutionary and certainly changed my perspective of autism. Also his books are very reader friendly with huge emphasise on family support and a tone that is empathetic towards families not sympathetic. Any family member related to someone with an ASD or indeed anyone diagnosed with an ASD will tell you how important that is.
So although this is probably not the most mind blowing research, I can tell you as an (almost – i have not graduated yet) scientist. It is important to properly investigate and research these things. Vagueness has been sniffing around autism for decades – what we need now (obvious as they may seem) are facts!
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