Genetics - a link between maths and autism

In summary, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen is conducting a study on the connection between autism and mathematical abilities. He has found that individuals with autism are twice as likely as the general population to have a talent for mathematics. This suggests a genetic link between the two. Baron-Cohen is now seeking to identify the specific genes associated with mathematical abilities in individuals with autism. He has also previously found a higher prevalence of autism among engineers, which could be attributed to the structured and ordered nature of their work. While autism may be associated with challenges in social interactions, it can also lead to success in academic fields such as mathematics.
  • #1
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Professor Simon Baron-Cohen is doing an interesting study of the links between autism and the ability to do math or systemise.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2060584.ece

Autism has become synonymous with despair. The word conjures up nightmarish visions of a rocking child, locked in her own impenetrable world, unable to speak, smile and laugh with those who love her. While that is true for a very small proportion of children at the extreme end of the autism spectrum, many more individuals on the spectrum go on to lead fulfilling, even brilliant, lives.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen has spent much of his career championing the positive side of autism. His most recent finding, to be published shortly in the Journal of Human Nature, is that talented mathematicians are at least twice as likely as the general population to have the condition. He also found, by comparing maths undergraduates at Cambridge University with undergraduates of other disciplines (law, medicine), that mathematicians are more likely than students of other subjects to have a sibling or parent with autism.

That, he says, points to genetics: his theory is that there is a group of genes that codes for both mathematical ability and autism. “This association between maths and autism keeps cropping up,” he says. Finding these maths genes could be a milestone on the way to finding the genes associated with autism. He would now like to recruit Times readers to help him find these genes. He has DNA from people who are good at maths but he would now like to be contacted by readers who are good at English but have always been numerically challenged.

Baron-Cohen has previously found that autism is much more common among engineers than in the general population. It is no coincidence: mathematics and engineering are very ordered, rigorous disciplines in which there is usually a right answer.

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  • #2
Whilst there is a great deal of despair for many parents of autistic children, especially when the diagnoses is new, today there are so many more options, and a great deal more understanding and help than once was the case.
Best wishes
 
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  • #3
High functioning autists with asperger's syndrome often become academics. This comes as no surprise considering that they naturally do not deal well with people. In fact, it is one of the recommended occupations for such people. Rather than needing to have great people skills, in academia they require a high degree of abstract thought. No offense to mathematicians, but their discipline requires the least interaction with the real world imaginable.

Hence their prediliction for mathematics may have more to do with their social skills than genetics. Savants provide an interesting example. Although some are incredible mathematicians others are good with music, the weather, etc. Too bad the professor used such an unfortunate choice of words to express himself. Perhaps he too is a high functioning autist.
 
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1. What is the link between genetics and autism?

The link between genetics and autism is that there is strong evidence that genetics play a significant role in the development of autism. Studies have shown that certain genetic mutations and variations can increase the likelihood of a person developing autism.

2. How does math play a role in understanding genetics and autism?

Math is essential in studying genetics and autism as it allows us to analyze and interpret data from genetic studies. It helps us identify patterns and correlations between genes and autism, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of the disorder.

3. Can genetics and math help predict the development of autism?

While genetics and math can provide valuable information about the risk of developing autism, it cannot predict with certainty whether an individual will develop the disorder. There are many other environmental and biological factors that can also contribute to the development of autism.

4. Are there specific genes that are linked to autism?

There is no single gene that has been identified as the sole cause of autism. However, there are several genes that have been linked to an increased risk of developing the disorder. These genes are involved in various biological processes, such as brain development and communication between neurons.

5. How can understanding genetics and math lead to better treatments for autism?

By studying the genetic and mathematical aspects of autism, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder. This knowledge can help us develop more targeted and effective treatments for individuals with autism, tailored to their specific genetic profile.

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