Actually, recent studies show a cluster of autism in the Valley... as much as 1.5 per 100 births, I believe.
Many of these, too, fall in the 'higher functioning' groups, but some are profoundly disabled.
Evidence seems to indicate a strong genetic component, that does not skip generations.
Theories have been presented that certain lifestyles - and cubicle-dwelling computer geek may be one - naturally attract people who feel more comfortable, and perform better, with non-face-to-face modes of communication... for instance: IM and email. This is one indicator for mild 'autistic' disassociation... as Bill Gates has been rumoured to have.
Theories go on to suggest (Silicon Valley News, www.siliconvalley.com ran an interesting piece) that the natural attractiveness of programing jobs for mildly autistic individuals, and the inheritability of the traits, drew more with these genes to the one area... where they are increasingly marrying and raising the natural incidence of autistic individuals in the population (to that 1.5 per 100 births figure).
Other clusters have been identified around the country in high tech areas.
The article went on to say something like: in previous generations these people would have been monks, illustrating manuscripts, now they are marrying each other. |
