Scientific Brain Linked to Autism

squoozer writes "The BBC is reporting that a leading scientist in area of Developmental Psychopathology, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, is indicating that there is good chance that there is a scientific basis to the observed phenomenon that children with highly analytical parents are more likely to be autistic. He believes the genes which make someone analytical may also impair their social and communication skills. A weakness in these areas is the key characteristic of autism."

Comments

pwn3d

[mfh]

He believes the genes which make someone analytical may also impair their social and communication skills.

Genetics thrives on diversity and buckles under similarities; look at incestuous offspring and you'll see that diversity is the core requirement for better results.

Most of the geekiest people here at Slashdot lack the necessary tools to hold a decent conversation; if two slashdotters marry and produce offspring, the result would be dangerous to society!

Successful geeks have really hot wives (with possibly no intellect whatsoever) -- so perhaps science accounts for success and rewards success and punishes failure?

The point being -- if you have a really smart wife, you must be stupid or unsuccessful because that woman will own your ass.

Re:pwn3d

[Average_Joe_Sixpack]

if two slashdotters marry and produce offspring, the result would be dangerous to society!

Such an event would probably cause a rift in space time, either that or result in really ugly kids.

Re:pwn3d

[mfh]

And you smoke what flavor of crack now?

Seriously.

I was mostly joking around, but on another note -- crack comes in flavours now???

Re:pwn3d

[op12]

Most of the geekiest people here at Slashdot lack the necessary tools to hold a decent conversation; if two slashdotters marry and produce offspring, the result would be dangerous to society!

This effect is now known as Slashdautism.

Re:pwn3d

[JourneyExpertApe]

Don't worry, it won't happen until they perfect male pregnancy.

I'm sorry ma'am...

[faloi]

But your child is an engineer.

I analyzed the article

[Anonymous Coward]

but I can't communicate my thoughts.

Fascinating fact

[Geeky]

Professor Baron Cohen is also the cousin of Sascha Baron Cohen, AKA. Ali G.

Stop the presses!

[murderlegendre]

I'm still trying to figure out what people mean by 'social skills' here.

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you our new Slashdot motto.

Pertinent question

[why-is-it]

Professor Baron Cohen is also the cousin of Sascha Baron Cohen, AKA. Ali G.

Autism - is it good, or is it whack?

Dumb Spouses

[Brownstar]

This is just more proof that I should pick the Hot dumb Cheerleader type for a wife. Honestly, it is for the kid's benefit.

Re:Evolution

[E 99]

The point is that a balance is needed. Slashdotters: find yourself an artsy chick to get down with; one who's pretty smart and asthetically pleasing. Add a little creativity to them logical sperm you've been carrying around.

But try to avoid the phrase "asthetically pleasing" when complimenting her.

Re:Kim Peek & NASA

[sgstair]

When they x-rayed him, they also found out that his head was mostly filled with water and the result was a severe lack of brain tissue. However, he was a 4.0 grade point average student.

Well obviously he developed a form of organic water-cooling. This probably allowed him to overclock his brain to much higher speeds than those available by conventional cooling methods!
-Stephen :)

Re:Evolution

[Citizen of Earth]

But try to avoid the phrase "asthetically pleasing" when complimenting her.

Use phrases more like "Pardon me, female, will you marry me?"