Autism May Have Had Advantages In Humans' Hunter-Gatherer Past, Researcher Believes

[Moontanman]

Autism May Have Had Advantages in Humans' Hunter-Gatherer Past, Researcher Believes

 

ScienceDaily (June 3, 2011) — Though people with autism face many challenges because of their condition, they may have been capable hunter-gatherers in prehistoric times, according to a paper published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology in May.

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110603122849.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Ftop_news%2Ftop_environment+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Top+News+--+Top+Environment%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

[dduckwessel]

I also read this (on the Care-to website). If they're only slightly or moderately Autistic they would have been good hunter-gatherers because of their attention to detail but also a lack of fear. However, those with extreme Autism Spectrum Disorder would have needed constant supervision. Then again, a shortage of food may have necessitated changes in brain chemistry in order to survive! So perhaps autism isn't something new but has been around for some time but the availability of food means autistic behaviors increase for lack of anything to keep it in check.

 

I work with autistic children so I'm really interested in this topic. I don't believe it's their preference to be autistic because many of their behaviors distress even them.