An article that is already a bit dated from 2021, but sums things up nicely. This is one of Simon Baron Cohen's favorite topics, and you can find it in several forms across the internet. Is There a Link Between Autism and the Capacity for Invention?
We can infer the existence of the Systemizing Mechanism in the modern human brain because 75,000 years ago, we see the first jewelry. If I make a hole in each shell, and thread a string through each hole, then the shells will form a necklace. And 71,000 years ago, we see the first bow and arrow. Again, the same "if-and-then" algorithm: If I attach an arrow to a stretch fiber, and release the tension in the fiber, then the arrow will fly.
and
We went to the Dutch city of Eindhoven, where one-third of jobs are in IT and which is home to the Eindhoven University of Technology, much like MIT, and where the Philips Factory has been for over 100 years. We found autism rates were twice as high in Eindhoven compared to two other Dutch cities, Utrecht and Haarlem, matched for demographics. This is again consistent with a genetic link between autism in the child, and a talent in pattern-seeking among their parents.There are an enormous number of anecdotes about Tesla, Edison, Musk, Gates, or Newton. It is less common in females, but there is evidence that Emily Dickinson had autism. The best explanation I have heard for the gender difference is that women have an array of heritable social skills and/or the societal reinforcement nearly everywhere that they show more social skill, that disguises some of the Asperger's symptoms.
My people. Not that we can't be extra frustrating in some ways, but I understand that thinking and humor quite naturally.
3 comments:
Autism is underdiaognosed in females because it affects us differently from males. Girls are more likely to try to fit in with their friend group, while boys are more likely to throw things and act out.
I think that's what I said in my second-to-last paragraph. Whether heritable or societal, the sexes behave differently. Also, the underlying frequency might actually be very similar.
I’ve noticed the link between both parents being relatively non-social, introverted, and academically in the disciplines that relate to STEM, and having children who have more autistic-like traits.
Do that over several generations, and you will increase the chances of autism.
Remember the old days? The solitary guy who found it hard to relate to people married the more social girl who was not highly educated. Their kids benefited from a mother who could pass on social skills, both genetically, and by example. They were still more intelligent than the average, but less likely to die without passing on their genes.
The same works for quirky, introverted women. Choosing a more socially adept spouse brings many benefits - it did for me and our children.
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