Is human potential endless? Jason Arday struggled at school, only learning to read and write as a teenager. Now he is a professor at a top university.
The Cambridge don who could not read till 18
Is human potential endless? Jason Arday struggled at school, only learning to read and write as a teenager. Now he is a professor at a top university.
What's happening?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Emily Dickinson. Nikola Tesla. Michelangelo.
All of these famous people have one thing in common: modern researchers think they were likely neurodiverseDiversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways. .
Now there is a new name to add to the list. Jason Arday was diagnosed at a very young age with autismA condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder. and learning delays. He did not speak until the age of 11 or write and read until the age of 18.
Neurodiversity is about the different way in which people see the world around them. Autism is an example of a condition that would make someone neurodiverse.
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Some people thought that Jason Arday would never read or write. But now he is about to become Cambridge UniversityOne of the UK's top universities. It was founded in 1209. 's youngest ever Black professorOne of the highest ranks of teachers at a university. .
Some say his story shows that humans can do an endless number of things. Most schools, experts point out, were made to suit the needs of neurotypicalA person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population. people.
Now, Jason Arday's journey to being a professor shows what is possible when neurodiverse people have the tools they need to achieve their goals.
Is human potential endless?
Yes! Becoming a professor is not the only way to be successful. But Jason Arday's story shows that even when you are told something is impossible, amazing things can happen.
No! Jason Arday's story is incredible. But not everyone will be able to achieve the same things, even with help and support.
Keywords
Neurodiverse - Diversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways.
Autism - A condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder.
Cambridge University - One of the UK's top universities. It was founded in 1209.
Professor - One of the highest ranks of teachers at a university.
Neurotypical - A person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population.
The Cambridge don who could not read till 18
Glossary
Neurodiverse - Diversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways.
Autism - A condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder.
Cambridge University - One of the UK's top universities. It was founded in 1209.
Professor - One of the highest ranks of teachers at a university.
Neurotypical - A person who thinks, behaves and sees the world in a way that is considered "the norm" by the general population.