The Power of Thinking Differently

Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY, ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes) is delighted to welcome Anshar Seraphim on Friday, March 20, 2026, 3-4 p.m. EDT (12 p.m. PDT, 7 p.m. GMT, 8 p.m. CET). There is no cost to attend, and international participants are invited to attend.

TOPIC: The Power of Thinking Differently

DESCRIPTION: Most people experience impostor syndrome, but few realize how deeply memory and cognition shape that feeling. This talk explores how cognitive diversity alters perception, self-narrative, and behavior. By bridging personal experience with neuroscience, Anshar examines how different thinking styles form identity and influence communication. The session also addresses neurodivergent masking and the cost of coping strategies on authenticity and wellbeing. It invites a re-evaluation of “difference” as an essential component of intelligence itself.

BRIEF BIO: Self-described 75% nonverbal with autism at age 11, Anshar Seraphim is now an independent researcher and consultant in neurocognitive mapping and behavioral science. His work connects neuroscience, AI, and psychology to improve communication and inclusion. Serving as Vice President of Critical Thinking for The Octopus Movement, he advances global advocacy for nonlinear and multipotential thinking. He also advises Haystack Unlimited in creating inclusive tech-career pipelines for neurodivergent professionals. In 2023, he spoke at the United Nations Autism Awareness Event on bridging the worlds of nonspeaking and speaking autistic adults.

ABOUT Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY): An 'ethnography' is an exploration of how a group of people express themselves in a cultural way. Autistic people have a growing kind of culture, and each autistic experience is a vital part of it. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, ethnographer, primatologist, and author who is autistic. Join her for an exploration of the importance of autistic self-expression and the culture that grows from it. Those who wish to share their content are free to do so on our private Facebook groups (see below), organically contributing to a growing autistic culture.

Links to online events will also be shared on these private Facebook groups: CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (recommended for autistic adults) and SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY FOR AUTISM (recommended for allies, professionals, and family members).

CREDITS: The preparation of this material was financed under an agreement with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD). CASY Sparks membership and events are free. CASY Sparks is sponsored in part by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund, and Dr. Roger Jou