Learning from beautiful minds | On autism, neurodiversity and tech

Although they have historically been regarded as diseases, neurological differences (including for example Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Autistic Spectrum, Tourette Syndrome, etc.) are increasingly recognised and respected as any other kind of human variation. Neurodiversity activists reject the idea that Autism, amongst others, should be cured, advocating instead for celebrating autistic forms of self-expression.

At Humanising Tech, we are always looking for ways to transcend the limitations of our “normative” brains and stretch our imagination. We have therefore invited friends from Auticon, the UCL, Status Today and more to help us think of challenges and opportunities around Autism, and reflect on the idea of AI and neurodiversity.

We will ask them what do we know about how autistic people’s brains are wired? How do autistic people experiences differ from other people? Can technology help reduce misunderstandings between autistic and non-autistic people? Could it help non-autistic people benefit from the uniqueness and richness of autistic people’s world views, perceptions and mental processes? Will understanding autistic people's brains help us design better AI products?

And, generally speaking, what can people with “normative” brain learn from autistic people?

Looking forward to see you there!