Autism may be the price of human intelligence
12 hours ago
- #brain evolution
- #autism
- #neurodiversity
- Autism's prevalence may be linked to human brain evolution, with specific neurons evolving rapidly.
- Autism-linked genes changed under natural selection, possibly slowing brain development but boosting cognition and language.
- About 3.2% of U.S. children and 1% globally have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- ASD and schizophrenia may be unique to humans, with rare occurrences in non-human primates.
- Single cell RNA-sequencing revealed a vast array of neuronal cell types in the mammalian brain.
- L2/3 IT neurons evolved quickly in humans, with dramatic changes in autism-associated genes.
- Natural selection for ASD-associated genes may have conferred fitness benefits, though the exact reasons are unclear.
- Slower postnatal brain development in humans compared to chimpanzees may be linked to these genetic changes.
- The capacity for speech production and comprehension, often affected by autism, is unique to humans.
- Rapid evolution of autism-linked genes may have contributed to more complex thinking in humans.