Who is Hajo Seng?

Hajo Seng is a versatile professional who works at the intersection of autism research, advocacy, and technical project management. He is known for his innovative contributions to autism studies, particularly in exploring autistic experiences and promoting neurodiversity. He is also the co-founder of Dalslands Studio in Sweden, a retreat and conference center that he runs with his partner, Dr. Andreas Hieronymus. Seng’s work spans academic research, public engagement, and creative collaboration.

What is Seng’s academic achievement?

Hajo Seng earned his PhD in 2019 from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. His dissertation, titled “Approach to an Autistic Experience: A Collage,” was supervised by Prof. Dr. Georg Theunissen at the Institute for Rehabilitation Pedagogy. His research explored the lived experiences of autistic individuals, blending qualitative methods and participatory approaches to provide a nuanced understanding of autism beyond traditional clinical frameworks.

How does Seng contribute to autism research?

Hajo Seng’s contributions to autism research are both theoretical and practical:

• Challenging Deficit Models: He critiques traditional medicalized views of autism that focus on deficits or impairments. Instead, he highlights the strengths and unique abilities of autistic individuals.
• Promoting Neurodiversity: Seng advocates for understanding autism as a natural variation in human cognition rather than a disorder, aligning with the neurodiversity movement.
• Participatory Research Methods: His work emphasizes collaboration with autistic individuals as active participants in research rather than passive subjects.
• Exploring Autistic Communication Styles: He delves into how autistic individuals communicate differently from neurotypical people, focusing on “bottom-up” thinking (detail-oriented processing) and context blindness.
• Bridging Theory and Practice: Seng connects academic insights with real-world applications through workshops and public engagement.

What are Seng’s professional roles?

Hajo Seng balances multiple professional roles:
1. Technical Project Manager: He works at the National Library in Hamburg, where he applies his expertise in technology and project management.
2. Co-Founder of Dalslands Studio: Together with Dr. Andreas Hieronymus, he co-founded Dalslands Studio in Sweden. This retreat and conference center serves as a space for critical thinking, collaboration, workshops, and personal retreats.
3. Workshop Facilitator: Seng conducts workshops on autism-related topics, focusing on autistic skills and fostering understanding between autistic and neurotypical individuals.

What makes Seng’s research unique?

Hajo Seng’s research stands out due to its innovative approach:

• Inclusive Research Methodologies: He prioritizes participatory methods where autistic individuals actively shape the research process.
• Centering Autistic Voices: His work amplifies the perspectives of autistic people to ensure their lived experiences inform both theory and practice.
• Exploring Cognitive Diversity: By focusing on how autistic individuals think differently (e.g., detail-oriented or “bottom-up” processing), he challenges traditional cognitive models like “Theory of Mind.”
• Challenging Traditional Autism Theories: Seng critiques outdated theories that pathologize autism, offering alternative frameworks rooted in neurodiversity.

What are the main topics of Seng’s workshops?

Hajo Seng’s workshops cover a range of topics related to autism:
1. Autistic Skills: Highlighting the strengths and unique abilities of autistic individuals (e.g., detail orientation, pattern recognition).
2. Understanding Autism: Educating participants about autism from both personal and scientific perspectives.
3. Communication Strategies: Addressing how autistic individuals communicate differently and how to foster effective exchanges between neurodiverse groups.
4. Context Blindness: Exploring how challenges in perceiving social context affect communication and interactions.
5. Neurodiversity Principles: Promoting acceptance of cognitive diversity and advocating for societal adaptations to accommodate different ways of thinking.
Community Engagement

How does Seng engage with the autism community?

Hajo Seng actively participates in community-building efforts through:
1. Public Speaking: He delivers talks on topics like autism self-help movements and the evolution of autistic advocacy.
2. Podcast Appearances: He has been featured on podcasts such as Det Autistiska Rummet, where he discusses topics like context blindness, communication challenges, and autistic identity alongside other researchers.
3. Workshops and Advocacy Work: His workshops aim to bridge gaps between autistic individuals and society by fostering mutual understanding.
4. Scientific Societies Contributions: As part of organizations like the Scientific Society Autism Spectrum (WGAS), he promotes applied research that directly benefits autistic individuals.

What is Seng’s core message about autism?

At the heart of Hajo Seng’s work is a commitment to reframing autism as a form of cognitive diversity rather than a disorder or deficit. He advocates for recognizing the unique strengths of autistic individuals—such as their attention to detail, innovative thinking styles, and ability to approach problems differently—and encourages society to adapt its structures to be more inclusive of neurodiverse populations.
Dalslands Studio

What is Dalslands Studio? How is Hajo Seng involved?

A: Dalslands Studio is a retreat and conference center located in Dals Långed, Sweden, co-founded by Hajo Seng and his partner Dr. Andreas Hieronymus. The studio provides a serene space for critical thinking, creative collaboration, workshops, and personal retreats. It reflects their shared vision of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and community-building in an environment that encourages reflection and growth.

This Q&A captures the breadth of Hajo Seng’s work across academic research, professional roles, advocacy efforts, and creative collaborations!