I thought autistic kids are who populate 4chan and 8kun
and do all the amazing research for Qanon and pals.
The autism rate has skyrocketed worldwide beginning in the 1990s. It was almost unheard of 50 years ago, with most of those cases being severe. Scientists who have reviewed the literature have come to the conclusion that only 20%-30% of the increase can be attributed to people having children at an older age or better vigilance in screening and diagnosis. It is widely held to be a genetic condition.
However as a scientist myself I must ask is there any time in the history of life on earth when there has been a genetic epidemic? No.
But changes in the environment can be detrimental to populations. For example the passenger pigeon had nothing wrong with its DNA. They just couldn’t cope with the introduction of shotguns. They flew in tight formations making easy targets.
Something in our environment changed starting in the 1990s. Some individuals seem to be more sensitive to this change.