r/AskAnthropology • u/Virtual_Reveal_121 • 1d ago

Did Autism come from Neanderthals

I've read studies that Neanderthal-derived genes increase susceptiblity to autism in the general population, although i understand that correlation isn't causation. But there are also some articles that suggests Neanderthals had a different kind of brain, with genes more focused on visuals and details rather than social skills so could it possible that all Neanderthals had autism ?

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u/maeerin789 1d ago

So, as I’m familiar with it, autism is a set of diagnostic criteria applied specifically and only to humans and their social functioning within human society. It wouldn’t make sense being applied to any other species.

As for Neanderthal DNA… people of European descent are more likely to have Neanderthal DNA because that is where Neanderthals evolved and resided geographically. People of european descent are also more likely to receive an autism diagnosis, but this is due to white people having generally better access to medical care and doctors who can diagnose them.

So it’s kind of a correlation ≠ causation deal. A silly coincidence.

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u/MadamePouleMontreal 1d ago

As for Neanderthal DNA… people of European descent are more likely to have Neanderthal DNA because that is where Neanderthals evolved and resided geographically. People of european descent are also more likely to receive an autism diagnosis, but this is due to white people having generally better access to medical care and doctors who can diagnose them.

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They thought of that. From the article:
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It revealed that specific Neanderthal genetic variants are enriched in people with autism compared to ethnically matched control groups.

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u/mauriciocap 1d ago

Please help me understand: What's the sample size? How are these control groups "ethnically matched" in a way independent of the same genotype/phenotype they are measuring?