In episode 3, we spoke to Simon Baron Cohen about Spectrum 10k, a research programme aiming to find out as much as possible about autism, using a sample base of 10,000 autistic individuals in the UK. Part of the programme involved garnering DNA samples from the volunteers. This caused a bit of upset within the autism community. Accusations of an attempt to ‘cure’ autism and comparisons to euthanasia were floated.
Sally Nillson, a therapist specialising in neurodivergent clients (and those who think they may be neurodivergent), and who was recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism, heard the show and ask to contribute. It was a pleasure to speak to her.
Spectrum 10k has since been suspended as a result of the widespread backlash.