The Cambridge Professor Who Learned To Read At 18

Great Big Story

Great Big Story

4 min, 15 sec

The video outlines the extraordinary journey of Professor Jason AR from being a non-verbal autistic child to a Cambridge professor.

Summary

  • Jason AR, who struggled with autism and developmental delays, achieves a PhD before 30.
  • His mother's emphasis on repetition helped him gain skills through activities like snooker.
  • A transformative speech therapy session at age 11 marked the beginning of his verbal communication.
  • Dedicated teachers like Sandro played a pivotal role in his academic development through repetition and encouragement.
  • Jason's willpower, determination, and interpersonal skills propelled him to success at Cambridge and beyond.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Jason's Story

0:00 - 20 sec

The video opens by highlighting the remarkable nature of Jason AR's academic achievements despite his early struggles with literacy.

The video opens by highlighting the remarkable nature of Jason AR's academic achievements despite his early struggles with literacy.

  • Jason AR is introduced as a Cambridge professor who earned a PhD before the age of 30.
  • He faced significant learning challenges, including being non-verbal due to autism.

Chapter 2

Jason's Childhood and Developmental Challenges

0:21 - 20 sec

Jason's early life was marked by autism, being non-verbal, and difficulties with cognitive processing.

Jason's early life was marked by autism, being non-verbal, and difficulties with cognitive processing.

  • He was diagnosed with autism and global development delay, affecting his ability to communicate and process information.
  • Intensive speech therapy sessions were part of his routine from the age of three, with uncertain outcomes.

Chapter 3

First Breakthrough in Communication

0:42 - 33 sec

A pivotal moment in Jason's life occurred when he first spoke at the age of 11 during a speech therapy session.

A pivotal moment in Jason's life occurred when he first spoke at the age of 11 during a speech therapy session.

  • Jason recalls the surprise of hearing his own voice and the excitement of using words correctly.
  • This breakthrough was the result of years of dedication to speech therapy.

Chapter 4

The Role of Repetition in Learning

1:15 - 34 sec

Jason's mother harnessed his affinity for repetition, a trait often found in autistic individuals, to aid his development.

Jason's mother harnessed his affinity for repetition, a trait often found in autistic individuals, to aid his development.

  • She encouraged him to engage in snooker, a sport where repetition is key, hoping the skill would translate to other areas.
  • Repetition became a cornerstone of Jason's learning strategy, aiding him in becoming a skilled snooker player.

Chapter 5

Influence of a Good Teacher

1:49 - 1 min, 1 sec

Jason attributes a significant part of his success to the care and dedication of his teachers, emphasizing the importance of their emotional support.

Jason attributes a significant part of his success to the care and dedication of his teachers, emphasizing the importance of their emotional support.

  • A caring teacher, Sandro, made a profound impact by treating Jason with agency and importance, helping him feel valued.
  • Sandro's belief in Jason's potential and their shared dedication to repetitive practice were crucial to Jason's progress.

Chapter 6

From University to PhD

2:50 - 50 sec

Jason's academic journey took him from university to pursuing a PhD, inspired by a lecturer and supported by his mentor Sandro.

Jason's academic journey took him from university to pursuing a PhD, inspired by a lecturer and supported by his mentor Sandro.

  • Encouraged by his mentor, Jason aspired to and eventually pursued a PhD, with Sandro's guidance echoing the repetitive learning methods from his past.
  • Sandro's strategy focused on mastering reading and writing through persistent practice, which played a pivotal role in Jason's academic success.

Chapter 7

Achievements and Future Aspirations

3:40 - 34 sec

Jason's narrative concludes with his accomplishments as one of the youngest professors at Cambridge and hints at future goals.

Jason's narrative concludes with his accomplishments as one of the youngest professors at Cambridge and hints at future goals.

  • Jason's academic success is linked to fundamental lessons from his teachers and his own determination and interpersonal skills.
  • The story ends with Jason on the cusp of fulfilling his dreams, encouraged to enjoy his achievements.