Evolution perhaps?
Answer:
Yes, I totally agree, we are evolving. You won't get an argument from me!
All indicators point to the continual evolution to higher intellectual functioning, rather than devolution.
we are evolving for better and worse
While humans are probably evolving, autism will not lead to evolution. Because of the steep cost you mentioned it is a detriment to survival and reproduction. Especially reproduction. Because autistic persons have little to no social skills, they are largely incapable of reproduction, so there's no way to pass the trait on as quickly as it needs to be passed on in order for evolution to occur.
Interesting question.
Several disorders which render the patient challenged intellectually and or socially also exhibit areas, usually in one area, of above average ability. I have read studies that show mothers of Autistic children teaching them a foreign language quite successfully.
I don’t feel that these special abilities indicate an evolutionary advancement potential rather that some part of our brain is compensating for a malfunctioning adjacent area. The disorders either Autism or Asperger are sufficient to depreciate the benefit of any special ability and, as has been pointed out in here, would retard rather than enhance reproduction necessary for the mutation to prosper genetically.
Having said that…we don’t be a knowin evathang bout how we evolve; we just know that we and all other life forms which survive, do it.
Maybe ‘who can say’ is a better answer.
One good thing is that we, as a society, are maturing in response to behavioral disorders and we seem to be overcoming our historical human penchant to shun and ostracize individuals with these disorders.
Credit goes not only to research scientist but to loving mothers and fathers who because of affection for their offspring treat them with respect and love. Challenged kids can and do exhibit amazing abilities.
It’s a fair assumption, in my opinion, that when some brain fart ushers in a mutation that will be part of the next evolutionary development of our mental abilities we, as well uninformed individuals, will almost certainly view the individual or condition as something to denigrate and will view it most likely as a disorder.
Yet…in spite of ourselves...we evolve.
Jim D
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