Submitted by la334 on Tue, 07/07/2026 - 11:09
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen has reflected on the language used in his influential "extreme male brain" theory of autism, describing the phrase as unhelpful despite continuing to support the underlying scientific concepts.
The University of Cambridge has received a US$34.5 million (£26 million) philanthropic gift from K. Lisa Yang to establish the K. Lisa Yang Centre for Autism Research. One of the largest donations ever made to autism research in the UK, the funding will support research focused on improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life of autistic people.
Led by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, the new centre will work in partnership with the autistic community to address priorities including earlier diagnosis, physical health and practical interventions, while also supporting a future clinical autism centre at the planned Cambridge Children's Hospital.
In an interview with The Guardian, the Director of the Autism Research Centre said the terminology had been widely misunderstood and could reinforce misconceptions about autistic people, particularly around empathy.
The interview coincided with the announcement of a £26 million philanthropic gift from Lisa Yang to establish the K Lisa Yang Centre for Autism Research at the University of Cambridge.
The new centre will focus on research priorities identified by the autistic community, including physical health, earlier diagnosis and improving quality of life.
Read more here in The Guardian>>
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