EVOLUTION of AUTISM?
Another Rant by Martha, May 2019
#anthropology, #evolution
“Social entrepreneur” Zichermann [https://www.gabezichermann.com/] shows just how dangerous ignorance of evolutionary theory is. Evolution 101: the environment selects on diversity, and the most fit (not necessarily the strongest or the most intelligent) reproduce more successfully (they have more offspring that survive to reproduce). Aside from his widely erroneous assertion that autism is a new “stage” in human evolution, his stock image (below) is sexist and racist (the modal human is neither white nor male) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25ppkyKUDEw&feature=youtu.be].
This kind of misinformation is dangerous to all of us, including people on the autism spectrum and shows how important basic scientific literacy is.
On the other hand, Simon Baron-Cohen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o1PXeFEcL0] has a data-based approach, noting the, albeit small and polygenic, genetic factors involved in this varied group of diagnoses.
This image from is a more accurate portrayal of human evolution with regard to stature, but not gender:
I don’t know what autism is, or if it has really increased. There is no evidence of differential (greater) reproduction of humans diagnosed on the autism spectrum, and therefore probably does not affect genetic change over time (evolution). I do think that it is an example of the incredible human diversity that we create and maintain.
Martha's Genteel Decline 
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