Autism in the Palaeolithic: Recognising Cognitive Diversity and Why It Matters

This thesis explores the role autism has had in the Palaeolithic and the importance of recognising cognitive diversity such as neurodivergence throughout research in Palaeolithic archaeology. The current literature explores autism mostly through a deficiency lens, in all subjects but especially psychology as the main field which studies autism. Archaeology has begun to explore autism through a lens of difference instead of something that is wrong, and should continue to explore autism and other neurodivergence through this route, as this thesis sets out to do. By considering archaeological evidence through this lens, we can provide new insight into the motivation behind their creation and potentially provide alternative theories. Two surveys were conducted to explore educational and learning differences between autistic and non-autistic, predominantly referred to as neurotypical, individuals. By acknowledging both differences and similarities between autistic and neurotypical people in contemporary surveys, we can acknowledge the potential for the differences to contribute to our Palaeolithic past. The surveys with around 900 responses each showed that autistic people have a stronger relationship with objects and often prefer to work with people they know or avoid teamwork. The results also show there is little difference in learning behaviours and relationships, but autistic individuals are more likely to use objects throughout their learning. Given the importance of objects in our evolution, there is a possible connection for autistic peoples’ closer relationship to have influenced the overall importance of objects in our cultural evolution. The Stimming Handaxe Theory is put forward as both a proposal for why Acheulean hand axes are symmetrical, but also as an example for how autistic influence can spread and become important. Overall, this thesis highlights the importance of recognising the role of autistic individuals, and shows the need for more research.