Dr Laura Andreae is a Developmental Neuroscientist from King’s College London. She has conducted pioneering research into how our synaptic circuits are laid down during development, basically how we are wired from childhood how our neuron’s link up in specific critical ways at critical times to make us, us. She is also a world foremost expert in the development of autism and intellectual disorders at a synapse level.

00:00:00 Intro
00:04:17 Understanding Brain Development and Wiring
00:09:31 Debunking Misconceptions about Autism
00:12:30 The Uncertain Impact of Social Media on Brain Development
00:16:41 Exploring the Differences in Male and Female Brain Development
00:28:00 Identifying Specific Circuits and Pathways in Autism
00:38:06 The Importance of Collaboration in Autism Research
00:50:48 The Manifestation of Autism in Males and Females
00:58:23 The Role of Genetic Changes in Autism
01:01:12 Improving Integration and Support for Individuals with Autism
01:08:52 Understanding the Link Between Genetic Changes and Behavior
01:12:42 The Potential of Brain-Machine Interfaces and Gene Therapy
01:17:56 Concerns about AI and Employment
01:23:27 The Need for Collaboration and Understanding in Neuroscience

In this podcast we discuss the neural mechanisms of autism, how autism is a superpower in many and what our society can do better to support people with developmental disorders, and how we can best leverage their brilliance for the benefit of humanity.