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Celtic Mystery »

My classmates and I were discussing something earlier this year in molecular biology regarding the future of medicine. Having the potential to customize and tweak our genomes such that future generations will possess characteristics we have naturally (and artificially) sculpted is a power that is arguably rewriting Genesis chapter 1. But I asked them, and now you, to consider something which many people already support – the theory of evolution. Yes, the “E’ word is one which routinely stirs up controversy, especially amongst religiously inclined groups. Personally, I support the theory (from my Hindu/agnostic outlook) for the evidence is relevant and substantial, so keep my biased perspective in mind as you read on. Also, realize that there is no evidence for this random musing, so interpret it as that and not a proposed case study or medical truth.

So what’s the point of this entry? Well, let me consider one special example which is relatively common in society – autism. This “disorder” is estimated to have an occurrence of 1/166 children, though this statistic may be drastically inflated with many parents labeling their children as “autistic” at the first signs of academic difficulty, abnormal behavior, etc. Given that over the last 10,000 years, mankind’s brain has seemed to evolve far more than any other bodily structure, how do we know that what we currently label as autism is not simply a consequence of the brain taking the next step towards advancement? Crudely stated, there may be some glitches here and there in the new wiring plan, but over time, it might get worked out. We have documented cases of savants like Kim Peek and Daniel Tammet who possess extraordinary mental skills, but lack other skills which most “normal” humans feel anyone is capable of carrying out (dressing oneself, etc.) To me, it just seems like too much of a coincidence that we hear about autistic kids performing amazing feats but being labeled as children with a “disorder” in the same sentence. For example, Jason McElwain (some of you might know him as the “autistic basketball kid who shot six three pointers in four minutes”) was an inspiration to his peers when he was given a single chance to showcase his talent. Perhaps it was just a coincidence and a few grains of luck that aided him, but truth be told, if autism were really a mental disorder, I doubt that we’d hear so many stories like Peek’s, Tammet’s, or McElwain’s in a condition which occurs in well less than 1% of the population. I feel that if neurological conditions like autism truly reflect a biological attempt to advance, only time will tell if mankind will conquer the next plateau of mental ability.

So what am I saying? If I had a child with autism, would I consider myself blessed? Unfortunately, this is where society far exceeds the control of evolution. The fundamental concepts of natural selection and evolution seem to fade away for mankind in light of our insatiable pursuit of wealth and power while simultaneously label the “weaknesses” of others. The unfortunate truth is that autistic children are different, and therefore forever labeled by society as such. Assimilation becomes a very difficult task, and without that, it becomes virtually impossible to thrive in a world which is ever so cruel to change. So for the sake of my child’s well-being in this world, I hope he/she would be “normal” (according to society’s definition). The sad truth is… this might conflict with nature’s attempt to progress.

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As a third year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, my posts are intended to educate others and share my experiences from this incredible journey without violating patient privacy at all costs. These blurbs are not to serve as a replacement for recommendations provided by licensed physicians under any circumstance.