Scientific brain linked to autism

Troubleshooter · 01-30-2006, 02:05 PM

Highly analytical couples, such as scientists, may be more likely to produce children with autism, an expert has argued.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, of the University of Cambridge, said the phenomenon may help explain the recent rise in diagnoses.

He believes the genes which make some analytical may also impair their social and communication skills.

A weakness in these areas is the key characteristic of autism.

...more...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4661402.stm

Griff · 01-30-2006, 04:38 PM

There was some chatter about an autism hotspot around Silicon Valley. Folks were speculating that analytical folks are drawn to the same and may increase their chances of having a child with autism. shrug

jinx · 01-30-2006, 04:51 PM

Hm. I'd like to hear the opinion of a scientific-minded parent of an autistic child on this.

Don't a lot of folks in silicon valley work around some very nasty chemicals? How about Brick Township, NJ? Lots of smart people or lots of chemicals?

Griff · 01-30-2006, 04:54 PM

Everyone wants a simple answer, but if it were simple we'd have it by now.

Happy Monkey · 01-30-2006, 05:17 PM

It brings Asbergers' to mind.

jinx · 01-30-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

Everyone wants a simple answer, but if it were simple we'd have it by now.

[conspiracy] Unless having the answer would cost important people lots of money. [/theory]

Griff · 01-30-2006, 07:38 PM

Yep, it is possible.

richlevy · 01-30-2006, 11:06 PM

I can't really say that there is anything to that theory. It's true that some Autistic children have parents with scientific or even Aspergers traits, at my son's school the parents are very diverse in background and temprement. I've always felt that I had some mild Aspergers traits, but I've never been diagnosed with it.

I have heard about Autism hot spots around certain types of factories, etc.

It's hard to track since someone would need to keep a database of the child's whereabouts from conception through 4-5 years. I doubt the government would want that study, since they might not like the answer.

I'm still not sure if Autism is genetic, environmental, or a combination of the two.

WabUfvot5 · 01-31-2006, 12:53 AM

The bay is sorta a hot spot for that but it doesn't mean anything. Marin County has a large amount of breast cancer. Is it environmental or is it because a certain type of people like the lifestyle / climate there? Once again, no easy answer.

01-30-2006, 02:05 PM	#1
Troubleshooter The urban Jane Goodall Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 3,012	Scientific brain linked to autism Highly analytical couples, such as scientists, may be more likely to produce children with autism, an expert has argued. Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, of the University of Cambridge, said the phenomenon may help explain the recent rise in diagnoses. He believes the genes which make some analytical may also impair their social and communication skills. A weakness in these areas is the key characteristic of autism. ...more... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4661402.stm __________________ I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law. - Aristotle

01-30-2006, 04:38 PM	#2
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	There was some chatter about an autism hotspot around Silicon Valley. Folks were speculating that analytical folks are drawn to the same and may increase their chances of having a child with autism. shrug __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

01-30-2006, 04:51 PM	#3
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	Hm. I'd like to hear the opinion of a scientific-minded parent of an autistic child on this. Don't a lot of folks in silicon valley work around some very nasty chemicals? How about Brick Township, NJ? Lots of smart people or lots of chemicals? __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

01-30-2006, 04:54 PM	#4
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Everyone wants a simple answer, but if it were simple we'd have it by now. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

01-30-2006, 05:17 PM	#5
Happy Monkey I think this line's mostly filler. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: DC Posts: 13,575	It brings Asbergers' to mind. __________________ _________________ \|...............\| We live in the nick of times. \| Len 17, Wid 3 \| \|_______________\| [pics]

01-30-2006, 07:38 PM	#7
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Yep, it is possible. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

01-30-2006, 11:06 PM	#8
richlevy King Of Wishful Thinking Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 6,669	I can't really say that there is anything to that theory. It's true that some Autistic children have parents with scientific or even Aspergers traits, at my son's school the parents are very diverse in background and temprement. I've always felt that I had some mild Aspergers traits, but I've never been diagnosed with it. I have heard about Autism hot spots around certain types of factories, etc. It's hard to track since someone would need to keep a database of the child's whereabouts from conception through 4-5 years. I doubt the government would want that study, since they might not like the answer. I'm still not sure if Autism is genetic, environmental, or a combination of the two. __________________ Exercise your rights and remember your obligations - VOTE! I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting. -- Barack Hussein Obama

01-31-2006, 12:53 AM	#9
WabUfvot5 Operations Operative Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 634	The bay is sorta a hot spot for that but it doesn't mean anything. Marin County has a large amount of breast cancer. Is it environmental or is it because a certain type of people like the lifestyle / climate there? Once again, no easy answer.

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