Two contrasting theories about Autism

[Full Steam]

I've come across many theories, and I'm sure you have too, but two of them have stuck as being very interesting, although neither may be true.

1. Autism is a brain difference that is a throw back to genetics from neanderthals.

At first this seems insulting, but dig a but deeper and we find;

• Close understanding of animals - maybe we have more animalistic brains.
• Lack of social cohesion and desire for very small groups.
• Very instinctive reactions to environmental threats (noise etc)

There are more things I'm sure.

2. Autism is evolution in full effect.

We are a stepping stone to a better future, and a better human race.

I like this one more of course.

• We have skills and abilities that will be vital if humans are to survive.
• We lack the egotistical combativeness that has brought us the brink of extinction already.

I'm sure there's more.


Interested in hearing arguments for and against each and both

 

[LucyPurrs]

We are a stepping stone to a better future, and a better human race.

• We have skills and abilities that will be vital if humans are to survive.
• We lack the egotistical combativeness that has brought us the brink of extinction already.

I hope this one's true!!! But I don't pretend to know the answer to your question.

 

[Suzanne]

I believe in creation and believe that all the issues we have to face in life, is due to the original sin, brought about by the first human couple, as Romans 5:12 states.

 

[Accelerator]

Considering that I've got schoolwork left to do (Research defense is an utter terror in my school), I'll just leave behind a link to a site I found talking about the Neanderthal theory (it gives some points against it if I remember correctly). There's already some discussion going on there, so maybe you can find some interesting stuff there.

The site: Natural Variation - Autism Blog: Review: The Neanderthal Theory of Autism

 

[dragoncat16]

All that stuff that we are supposedly not good at, such as nonverbal communication, is more animalistic. Animals act based on their instincts and emotions, and that matches well with NT behaviour, whereas those on the spectrum tend to act according to logic and reason. We see little point in lying or deception, and because of this we don't expect them in others. It is not a deficit, just another way of thinking. Unfortunately, lying and deception can cause a lot of damage, and our inability to understand them tends to get us in trouble sometimes. On the other hand, NTs cannot understand and refuse to accept our calm and logical way of thinking, but, because there are more of them, they are not harmed at all by this deficit, but only by their own deceptive natures. Unfortunately, NTs do not have the mental capacity to realize this because their primitive nature includes an underlying urge to protect their own, which manifests itself in a rejection of anyone different from themselves.

If you have ever watched Star Trek, the species most like us are the Vulcans, who are supposed to be far advanced ahead of humanity. There are many blogs and posts about the similarities between aspies and vulcans. There's a reason for that. Even NTs realise that the future of humanity (at least according to science fiction) is in letting go of knee-jerk emotional responses, especially when making important, world-changing decisions. The next few years will be a turning point for humanity: will NTs cling to their desperate self-preservative notion that they are the way humanity is supposed to be and everyone else, including those on the spectrum, is deficient and should be wiped out, or will they realize that we are, in fact, the future of humanity and they need us in order for the species, and the planet, to survive?

 

[Bolletje]

My theory is rather dull, I think aspies are just as much homo sapiens as neurotypicals, I just feel like we're a little different in some aspects.