3 ms·

I'm not sure that mentioning epigenetics, etc, is really going "too far." It's not unlikely, and epigenetics isn't exactly speculative science anymore. Yes, the

I'm not sure that mentioning epigenetics, etc, is really going "too far." It's not unlikely, and epigenetics isn't exactly speculative science anymore. Yes, the comment is flip, and eschews the proper (but quite recent) scientific terms but it is very closely aligned with the science. There's no shortage of evidence of better longevity for the privileged, and better health, for example, although better nutrition from higher-value foods is a more usual speculative cause of this mentioned by researchers.

nnyms 10y ago
I am from Southern India (typically darker skin) and have noticed 6 cases of ASD (non-verbal and very basic or non-existent social interaction) amongst friends and relatives. 3 of these cases come from the same family (mine) and the other 3 are unrelated. All 6 were born either in the US or UK. All 4 families don't have previous occurrence of ASD or similar symptoms (non-verbal or awkward social skills would be easy to pick up). Since reading/experiencing a family member with ASD, I do see some ASD characteristics and behaviors in some other family members residing in India but they somehow have been able to overcome that and lead a typical life. Can't explain why there aren't more severe cases (in which case, they would've been reported) and if more sunlight or exposure to a lot more people/social situations is helping correct it. There was an Indian news article that reported a higher incidence of ASD in NRIs (non-resident Indians). With Desk jobs becoming more prevalent, Vitamin D deficiency is showing up in India as well. Given my small #samples, it does seem like something is triggering more severe ASD in people with dark-skin in countries with less sunlight. Increase in incidences of ASD, can be attributed to its broadened definition but there seem to be other minor reasons (Vitamin D being one) which need more research instead of dismissal. Current incidence levels of 1 in 68 (boys - 1 in 42, girls - 1 in 189) is plain crazy and needs more attention.

nnyms 10y ago

I am from Southern India (typically darker skin) and have noticed 6 cases of ASD (non-verbal and very basic or non-existent social interaction) amongst friends and relatives. 3 of these cases come from the same family (mine) and the other 3 are unrelated. All 6 were born either in the US or UK. All 4 families don't have previous occurrence of ASD or similar symptoms (non-verbal or awkward social skills would be easy to pick up). Since reading/experiencing a family member with ASD, I do see some ASD characteristics and behaviors in some other family members residing in India but they somehow have been able to overcome that and lead a typical life. Can't explain why there aren't more severe cases (in which case, they would've been reported) and if more sunlight or exposure to a lot more people/social situations is helping correct it. There was an Indian news article that reported a higher incidence of ASD in NRIs (non-resident Indians). With Desk jobs becoming more prevalent, Vitamin D deficiency is showing up in India as well. Given my small #samples, it does seem like something is triggering more severe ASD in people with dark-skin in countries with less sunlight. Increase in incidences of ASD, can be attributed to its broadened definition but there seem to be other minor reasons (Vitamin D being one) which need more research instead of dismissal. Current incidence levels of 1 in 68 (boys - 1 in 42, girls - 1 in 189) is plain crazy and needs more attention.