[molotovbliss]

As someone with a son diagnosed officially by a professional, myself & older brother believe we are both on the spectrum but not as much as my son. He is verbal, but has quirks commonly called stimming. He hums a lot and will flap his arms when being visually or audibly stimulated.

My brother & I have read up on it quite a bit, and think that it's a combo of genetics triggered by environmental sources. There is a similar gene that is related to ADD, Bi-polar & Schizophrenia. Which we all have the first 2 of the 3.

My father, & his father were both mechanics, with my father's brother who showed the most signs of being possible autistic as well.

It does appear to skip around. I've a younger son also who was born way early in my life at 19. He doesn't show much signs of it. My younger brother doesn't either nor younger half sister.

It's a strong correleation for me personally that it's definitely genetic but seems to vary on some triggering factor in gestation or the tech environment of today's constant barrage of stimulation. The rise in diagnosis correlates to mass farming also on large scales. But also correlation doesn't mean causation.

I'd agree it's genetic, but with multifaceted triggers which is like cancer that could cause or trigger either.

I've also considered it's just our evolutionary path to a more tech geared world. I would be curious to see the rates of autism in 3rd world or outside untainted tribes.

Some reading, - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/suspect-mole...

- https://www.wired.com/2001/12/aspergers/

[Nasrudith]

The funny thing is that it may have also been an advantage of sorts in hunter gatherer days - as in actually able to survive alone in the wilderness without plenty of prepared tools which is actually a very hard task long term. Bands of people cooperating boost it ensure survival. Given what I know of sensory capabilities in addition to things like lost autistic children in the woods being extra hard to find - while not being prepared to survive.

Given that it is on a spectrum and a slow learning process of coping occurs underdiagnosis is likely - especially among women and girls.

I suspect the case in Silicon valley is a higher degree of traits converging and the social masking being less imbued in addition to concentration. Although if pollution was a provoking factor it would.

Tech is a pretty good setting although people with autism and they may thrive there I think it is way too fast for evolutionary impacts short of massive selective pressure - like the Black Death or pretreatment endemic malaria.