Michelle Dawson Michelle Dawson readily admits that coping with many everyday challenges is beyond her. Yet, according to her colleague Laurent Mottron (2008), “Michelle is someone who will change the way an entire sector of humanity is considered.” Dawson met neuroscientist and autism researcher Mottron when they both appeared on a documentary about autism. Recognizing Dawson’s intelligence, Mottron asked her to read some of his scientific papers. When she responded with an insightful critique of his methodology, Mottron took her on as a research collaborator. Since that time, Dawson has co-authored several papers with Mottron and other scientists, including Morton Ann Gernsbacher, former president of the Association for Psychological Science.

Tyrel Featherston/Ottawa Citizen. Republished by permission.