In this exclusive Sessions interview, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen confront the striking 800% increase in autism across recent decades. Is autism a singular disorder, or a complex interplay of disabilities and strengths? Baron-Cohen unpacks the multifaceted reasons behind this surge, parsing out whether it’s an epidemic or a change in diagnosis. The implications stretch across society, education, and how we grasp individual identity. With deep ties to human invention, perception, and empathy—this is a much needed confrontation.

Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, Simon Baron-Cohen is Director of the Autism Research Centre and a global leader in autism research. He pioneered the 'mindblindness' and 'empathizing-systemizing' theories, has authored over 770 scientific papers, and was knighted in 2021 for his contributions to autism understanding. His work spans clinical practice, public education, and cutting-edge research on cognitive sex differences, empathy, and neurodiversity.

This episode was filmed on July 5th, 2025

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