Pioneer of ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism now says phrase unhelpful

Exclusive: Prof Simon Baron-Cohen says his language was misunderstood and it is a myth that autistic people lack empathy The scientist who pioneered the “extreme male brain” theory of autism has said he regrets characterising the condition in this way because the phrase lends itself to misunderstandings. Prof Simon Baron-Cohen’s theory that autistic people strongly tend towards systemising over empathising has been hugely influential in shaping the popular perception of autism over the past t...

By Hannah Devlin Science correspondent