In a paper in the journal Archives of Disease of Childhood, Prof Simon Baron-Cohen said the gene that makes some people analytical, may also impair their social and communication skills, BBC News reported.

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Autism is characterised by social and communication difficulties.

Baron-Cohen noted that scientists and other "systemisers" are skilled at analysing systems to figure out how they function, but tend to be less interested in social skills and can exhibit obsession with detail and other behaviours associated with autism.

Since systemisers tend to be attracted to each other, they're more likely to pass "autism" genes and behaviours onto their children, Baron-Cohen suggested.

Some experts argue that the rise in autism is linked to increased awareness of the condition, BBC News reported. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more: A-Z of Autism

February 2006
 

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