Neanderthals & Autism – Sunday 23rd June 2024

Neanderthals & Autism – Sunday 23rd June 2024

Yesterday, an article titled “Neanderthal DNA is more common in people with Autism”, I didn’t read the article but did want to make a comment.

I think it’s important to point out that there would be people with Autism (or Autistic people) young and old, who do not have any Neanderthal genetic markers. Autism is global, every country has an autistic population.

Was every Autistic person genetically tested for Neanderthal markers? And I would think not. So it’s important that people take that into account.

The title was a little alarmist, and people in general could come to a very quick conclusion based on that sentence, which could be harmful. Ie., people could start wanting testing for Neanderthal markers and worrying if the person they want to marry and have children with….

There will be many people with differing disabilities, with and without Neanderthal genetic markers.

Initially, I was doubtful that the two groups of humans had had that kind of interaction. 

I don’t necessarily think it was a good thing, but these children that our group accepted as their own, tens of thousands of years ago, were obviously healthy and welcomed and went on to have their families with our group. In a sense, albeit in a small way, the Neanderthal was able to go on through us. 

Fiona MacLeod (C)