NT's on Wrong Planet?

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I really get the feeling that ASD'S have so many "causes" that a single 'gene" will never be isolated.

What must occur is more research in the neurology of autism. Even then, it doesn't seem as if an absolutely consistent pattern will be found. One lobe could cause ASD symptoms in one person--another lobe in another person. I think research will find that autism is, indeed, a complex "spectrum."

Then again, we have environmental influences--which could possibly be the cause of some of the "social" aspects of ASD's.

Then again, there is the possibility that, like schizophrenia, one might be born with a "predisposition" toward acquiring an ASD, yet never develop it. Perhaps, a "neurological" way could found (related to plasticity of the brain), within an individual person, to compensate for apparent neurological "abnormalities."

As long as I don't get lectured about changing things that I cannot change.

But what if you can see an observable pattern of behavioural traits, which are not currently causing problems, but have a high chance to cause problems in the future?

A classic example would be a university student with AS features, who struggled socially as a child, but is now doing well in university. We know that university is a relatively easier social environment, and that many people like this will struggle to find a job after they graduate. Doesn't it make more sense to give them help now, to prevent future problems?

For a medical analogy, several years ago, my Dad had his blood pressure tested and it was dangerously high. However, he wasn't experiencing any serious health problems due to his high blood pressure. If we approached it the way the DSM does, he'd have been told he was fine, and then several years later he may have had a stroke or a heart attack and died or suffered permanent injury. Instead, the doctors put him on medication to lower his blood pressure, and as a result, his risk of a serious medical crisis is now much lower than it would otherwise have been.

I don't think that you outgrew ASD.
Instead, you learned skills and became more socially functional than when you were a kid.
Many people with ASD develop these skills as they grow up.

Are there any practically minded forum members who are not on the spectrum? Such as those who work in industries and deal with industry costings everyday.

When you register to become a member of WrongPlanet, one of the options in the 'Diagnosis' dropdown box is 'Neurotypical' so of course there's no problem with you being here. It's catered for! An NT's perspective on our issues is certainly welcome and valued! Besides, as has been stated before, one does not 'outgrow' an ASD. Enjoy our site