Simon Baron-Cohen Quotes

As I grew up, I became aware that there are people with special needs out there, and I have a real connection with them.

We often hear that people mean well: that so many just don't how to interact with people with disabilities. They're unsure of the 'right' reaction, so they default to condescension that makes them feel better in the face of their discomfort.

Often as a child you see someone with a learning disability or Down's Syndrome and my mum and dad were always very quick to explain exactly what was going on and to be in their own way inclusive and welcoming.

The mere suggestion that not speaking for a day can give you an appreciation of the social isolation that comes with the experience of disability, particularly those whose impairments prohibit them from communicating verbally, is insensitive at best.

I grew up with a special-needs brother, and the separation from other kids is so extreme. We've got to break down those barriers.

My heart goes out to kids with autism.

Issues to do with disability, mental health and not being neurotypical often affect many genuine teenagers but are rarely reflected in the fiction they read.

I get mail from people all over the world now from people who tell me that they didn't really understand Down syndrome, but because of me they have read about it and studied it and now they know a lot more about it.

I don't think of myself as being disabled, or able-bodied.

I know deaf people. I have discussed the issues with them I've also thought about them a lot so I have some insights that go a little further than people who haven't had contact with the deaf community.

Through the 'It's About Ability' campaign and with parents and other members of society, we have created a social family for children with disabilities.

Putting on my legs is like putting on my shoes. I understand that's how some people might think differently, but I hope that in London, their perceptions open up.

My grandmother, Nina Eaton, founded United Cerebral Palsy. At the time that my father was born with it, there were no resources for people with the condition. So my grandmother and grandfather, who lived in Brooklyn, tried to reach out for some type of resource or support, and people just told them to institutionalize my father.

If I can be an inspiration for someone, that's fine, but just don't look down on me. Don't say, 'Oh, you're in a wheelchair.'

I am so excited that society is taking so much interest in the disability sector and our belief in inclusion is getting so much media coverage.

It was just normal for me growing up with a family member with severe Down Syndrome. It was completely normal. She was just Auntie Linda. I loved her and she loved me. She had a spirit that was just positive. For me it taught me tolerance and acceptance of all human beings.

People tend to treat people with disabilities sort of like they're aliens from another planet. It doesn't come from a bad place; it comes from a place of, 'I have no idea what this disability entails, and I don't want to offend anyone or make them feel awful.'

I want to ideate with people and come up with something through which I can rehabilitate people who are handicapped in some way and integrate them with people into mainstream. That's the bigger plan!

My heart bleeds, goes out for families with kids with autism.

People on the autism spectrum don't think the same way you do. In my life, people who made a difference were those who didn't see labels, who believed in building on what was there. These were people who didn't try to drag me into their world, but came into mine instead.

To understand me, you have to meet me...

Remember that every man is a variation of yourself

We never know a greater character unless there is in ourselves something congenial to it.

It's funny when you can actually relate to the fans on a human level and it happens all the time. People assume that's impossible. So when that happens it's a cool thing.

You never know till you try to reach them how accessible men are; but you must approach each man by the right door.