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'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!

The Prehistory of Autism : https://roundedglobe.com/html/391da86c-665f-49be-bfa0-9942b52ebc08/en/The%20Prehistory%20of%20Autism/

It’s an interesting explanation of how natural selection favoured autism for it’s strengths. I’m not too sure how they know early cave paintings were made by autistic people. Sounds rather speculative hypothesis to me.

The Prehistory of Autism : https://roundedglobe.com/html/391da86c-665f-49be-bfa0-9942b52ebc08/en/The%20Prehistory%20of%20Autism/

It’s an interesting explanation of how natural selection favoured autism for it’s strengths. I’m not too sure how they know early cave paintings were made by autistic people. Sounds rather speculative hypothesis to me.

Thank You  for adding another link to ancient autism. That's a very good but very long read so it might be a while before I can formulate a sensible response to it.