Autistic and non-autistic people share more in common

We are more alike than we might think a study published in advance of World Autism Day suggests we need a more evidence-based approach to neurodiversity. Findings published in advance of World Autism Day (Saturday 2 April) reveal there are fundamental similarities between autistic and non-autistic people in mental processing. The brain processes information using two systems; System 1 for quicker intuitive judgements, and System 2 for slower rational thinking. These systems are thought to work differently in autistic people, underlying the difficulties they may experience in everyday life and the workplace. Yet, a landmark study from the universities of Bath, Cardiff, Manchester, and King's College London reports that these fundamental psychological systems are not impaired in autistic people as once thought. In the largest study of its kind, which involved over 1000 people, the researchers tested the link between autism and -quick- intuitive and -slow- rational thinking. In three experiments, they analysed the link between autistic personality traits and thinking style.