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A definitive cause for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has remained elusive, although the best picture so far seems to be one of a mix of genetic and environmental factors. This suggests that any genes involved with the condition by necessity are being passed on from generation to generation. A new study now suggests that these genes are being positively selected for.
The study, published in PLOS Genetics[open,DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006618][DX], looked at the prevalence of alleles, or gene variants, commonly associated with an increased risk of ASD. The researchers discovered that these variants were found in much larger numbers than would be expected by chance, and they suggest that this may be because they are also linked to other genes implicated in cognitive ability.
The authors write that this positive selection between the genes thought to contribute to autism and those that might promote intelligence may explain why autism is such a prevalent condition, especially when it seems like it would have been selected against during human evolution.
(Score: 2) by DutchUncle on Thursday March 09 2017, @05:40PM
Conjecture: A wild creature, especially prey, needs to be totally ADHD about noticing all the possible threats all around, while gathering food at the same time. That doesn't leave much time for contemplation, research, concentration; but then , those abilities aren't being selected for either. A wild predator needs patience and focus, but still isn't building much for the long term. By comparison, the abilities to focus on details and maintain concentration are needed to develop civilization and intelligence (as we tend to recognize it). So, yes, they are desirable traits, for some range of intensity; and this increases as civilization allows for the development of specialists (metalworking, construction) requiring deeper concentrated study. Too much, though, veers towards some variety of OCD or the autistic spectrum.