Evolution?

[unixronin]

Aspergia, a site about Asperger's syndrome, raises an interesting question:  What if Asperger's syndrome is an adaptive mutation?

Comments

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

What is an 'adaptive' mutation?

Evolution has no brain, has no purpose; it just is.
Modern society does not select against certain mutations. Near-sightedness, for example. Hence, they propagate. If Aspergers is genetic in origin, and provides a reproductive advantage (or is linked to something that does), it will persist unless actively selected against.

...That article makes me twitch. Go go Power Aspergers Rangers!

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the whole site is a bit that way.

But still: What if Asperger's is a random mutation that does turn out to convey a selective advantage?

[metahacker.livejournal.com]

What if it is? I'm sorry. This wasn't earthshaking for me. Maybe you can explain your thoughts/feelings on it, and I can see more of what it is triggering in you.

I guess it would let Aspergers folks feel a little bit better, thinking there was some societal utility to their condition -- but I think anyone who pays attention will draw that conclusion. There is a reason successful organizations include a variety of aptitudes, including those associated with Aspergers...

But the other thing is, it may contribute a benefit societally without contributing one personally. Altruism is a great example of a trait that is only useful in communities and tends to be a drag on its exemplars...could it be like that? Who knows.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

I didn't say it was earthshaking either. It's just an interesting thought. :)

[ilcylic.livejournal.com]

What if the sky was purple? What if the moon was made of green cheese?

What if Asperger's is a random mutation that does turn out to convey a selective advantage?

Then we'll know that in a couple thousand years, as long as no one goes out of their way to artificially cull the herd.

[ithildae.livejournal.com]

Every human has a collection of strengths and weaknesses. Asperger's dramatically increases the standard deviation of the collection. It can only be supported by a largish society willing to tolerate the deficits in order to benefit from the strengths brought to the society. It really can't become the norm in society, or the social structure will fray.

As far as I am concerned, it just is. Strengths balance weakness and we do the best we can with what we are dealt. Just like every human on the planet.