“Autism in Adults” will be the theme of the next Science Bar

[Press Release] - Published on March 7, 2025 in Press Room, Science and Society

The next Science Bar, organized by the University of Montpellier, will take place on Thursday, March 13, starting at 8:30 p.m. For this edition, Pauline Belval, a neuropsychologist with a degree from the University of Montpellier; Corentin Dugat, president of the Mauvais Cancres Federation and the local Mauvais Cancres 34 Association; Coline Hagnier, a neuropsychologist specializing in children and adolescents; and Karine Loulier (Inserm), a neuroscience researcher at the INM, will discuss autism in adults.

The Bar des sciences has become one of Montpellier’s flagship events for science outreach, offering a monthly participatory public discussion on all aspects of science from January through June. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue where their knowledge and practices are not only shared but also open to discussion. The season is co-produced by the scientific culture departments of the University of Montpellier (UM) and its partners: INRAE, INSERM, and IRD. Sign language interpretation is provided for this event.

A Science Café dedicated to autism in adults

In recent years in France, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been increasingly studied, understood, and recognized. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), just like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and intellectual disability, which together affect 1 in 6 people in France. Today, between 1 and 2% of the population may fall on the autism spectrum, but this spectrum is not linear, and numerous variables characterize ASD. Scientific attention to these disorders enables more screenings, increased awareness, and fosters greater inclusion of all individuals in our societies. However, this movement is accompanied by media coverage that sometimes leads to “misconceptions” and oversimplifications. The Bar des sciences therefore invites you to discuss advances in our understanding of autism, particularly regarding late diagnoses in adults.

To discuss this topic, four experts from various fields will answer questions from the audience:

• Pauline BELVAL, a neuropsychologist with a degree from the University of Montpellier, works for an organization dedicated to helping adults with autism who do not have an intellectual disability find and retain employment
• Corentin DUGAT is president of the Mauvais Cancres Federation and the local Mauvais Cancres 34 Association, which supports people affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly in accessing their rights
• Coline HAGNIER, a neuropsychologist specializing in children and adolescents. She specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. She also works with adults to conduct diagnostic evaluations for individuals suspected of having ASD
• Karine LOULIER (Inserm), a neuroscience researcher at the INM, studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain development with the aim of identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life for people with ASD.