Why everything you know about autism is wrong!

I found the TED talk fascinating and a good introduction to the academic research paths in autism. Part way through, I did start thinking, 'I wonder if autism is the next evolutionary step for humanity?" I studied the physical sciences rather than the biological (which I now regret a little), but at some point in the distant past there must have been a long-necked giraffe that was ostracised by all the other giraffes until they realised he had his pick of the food. I exaggerate, but hopefully you understand my point.

Some of the greatest inventors and technologists have been/are autistic and have massively shaped the world in which we now live, making it possible to survive in isolation thanks to mobile phones, the internet, home deliveries etc. Doesn't solve the procreation problem (which clearly our long-necked friend figured out); however, I think we are finding ways to gradually modify our environment to make it less disabling to us, and the NTs seem to love our inventions too so perhaps we're not that different after all. Either way, I'm looking forward to the day when we auties colonise Mars...

I found the TED talk fascinating and a good introduction to the academic research paths in autism. Part way through, I did start thinking, 'I wonder if autism is the next evolutionary step for humanity?" I studied the physical sciences rather than the biological (which I now regret a little), but at some point in the distant past there must have been a long-necked giraffe that was ostracised by all the other giraffes until they realised he had his pick of the food. I exaggerate, but hopefully you understand my point.

Some of the greatest inventors and technologists have been/are autistic and have massively shaped the world in which we now live, making it possible to survive in isolation thanks to mobile phones, the internet, home deliveries etc. Doesn't solve the procreation problem (which clearly our long-necked friend figured out); however, I think we are finding ways to gradually modify our environment to make it less disabling to us, and the NTs seem to love our inventions too so perhaps we're not that different after all. Either way, I'm looking forward to the day when we auties colonise Mars...

The talk made me want to further studies in Autism! I actually did my first degree in Psychology but studied surprisingly little about Autism apart from just touching on the basics in the development of language and the development of theory of mind. Ironically, when I was heavily pregnant with my youngest I signed up for an Autism Awareness Diploma (luckily with no fixed time frame in which to finish!), to increase my awareness of Autism for my voluntary work in Scouting, but once I had litlun I did not have and still have not had the time to do said diploma! I really must try to find the time to complete that course!

I 'get' the analogy of the long necked giraffe!

Just imagine? Autistic Mars! Our very own Autistic planet!

I've mused on this a few times and wonder if, as well as inventions etc there was a benefit in ancient history in having people around who were less concerned with life in the camp and spent time watching the horizon outside the settlement, and who had heightened senses? I don't know how that would lead to the genes responsible being preserved though. Again - amateur theorising on my part!