Genes 'R Us

Age

Younger!

OP ED (Weekly or when I get time)

You have probably noticed a lot of articles here about "neurodivergence" --a grab bag of "cognitive conditions", which the Psych' community used to consider "abnormal" but now in these Woke times are "disorders", "treated" by drugs (all hail Big Pharma) or therapy (bend a knee to the APA and DSM V). "Neurodivergence" includes everything from Tourette's to epilepsy to schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder to ASD and ADHD, with the last two most in the news since Elon Musk claimed to be an Aspie.

ADHD and Asperger's are associated with certain genes. For ADHD, it is DRD4 R7 allele which has been called "the Genius Gene" since most geniuses have it; the Wanderlust Gene if you like to travel; the "Slut Gene" if you really LOVE sex; the Adventure Gene if you like jumping out of airplanes or climbing mountains; and finally the Longevity Gene since a surprising number of centenarians --70%-- have it.

Asperger's by contrast, is associated with GABRB3 which, in concert with other genes, is an indicator for hype empathy --and therefore hype altruism. Julian Assange and Greta Thunberg both have Asperger's. The "lack of empathy" sometimes ascribed to ASD people is often just oversensitivity to other's feelings and a reaction to "not fitting in" -- the "Outsider" syndrome.

In our evolutionary history, these "disorders" were common among hunters and gatherers because they conferred survival advantages and were often found in combination.

Yes, you can have both. I do.