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Quote from: transient amnesia (https://speakingofseth.com/index.php?msg=10292#msg10292)
Scientists have confirmed that variations in a particular gene play a key role in the autism spectrum condition known as Asperger Syndrome.
TA, thanks this is interesting. There is also a good article in Scientific American:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-reasons-autism-rates-are-up-in-the-u-s/
"In 1994, the fourth edition of the DSM broadened the definition of autism even further, by including Asperger syndrome on the milder end of the spectrum. The current version, the DSM-5, was released in 2013, and collapsed autism, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified into a single diagnosis."
"Awareness and changing criteria probably account for the bulk of the rise in prevalence, but biological factors might also contribute, says Durkin. For example, having older parents, particularly an older father, may boost the risk of autism. Children born prematurely also are at increased risk of autism, and more premature infants survive now than ever before."