Autism, genetics, and inbreeding: An evolutionary view
English

S Prayson Alex
2016 Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology  
Recently there have been increased reports of autism, yet the disease is not contagious. Since it is not catching, there must be other forces at work that somehow create or pass on the autistic symptoms. DNA reports show that deviations in the genetic code due to ancient inbreeding can follow a human line for generations. Studies show that inbreeding was widespread until a few hundred years ago and is continued today, but to a lesser degree. After millions of inbreeds, the world population has
more » ... ecome so numerous that it is globally sharing ancestors which is producing genetic abnormalities. In other words, autism may be the result of the widespread inbreeding of ancient generations. We are all touched by autism to one degree or another through common ancestors. The DNA of modern Homo sapiens of European and/or Asian descent will show 1 to 4% Neanderthal from 40,000 years ago. With that in mind, todays outbreaks may be due to descendants of ancient inbreeding times surfacing at the same time.
doi:10.5897/jphe2015.0764 fatcat:qhw3epk7hbdnvejiho7q6wcleq