Greta Thunberg teaches us about autism as much as climate change | Ian Birrell

The young environmental activist has shown that being different is a gift. But too many people with autism still face cruel treatmentGreta Thunberg is an impressive individual. Just 16 years old, she has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize after sparking environmental protests around the planet. There is a glorious simplicity to her arguments that makes them hard to refute. What, she asked, was the point of pupils like her learning anything if politicians ignored the glaring facts on climate change? So she sat down outside the Swedish parliament with a hand-painted banner declaring a school strike - and eight months later, is a global icon who has helped to fire up a resurgent green movement. Related: Greta Thunberg condemns UK's climate stance in speech to MPs Continue reading...