New research reveals a surprising evolutionary connection between autism and our prehistoric relatives—Neanderthals.
Roughly 50,000 years ago, humans and Neanderthals interbred. Today, nearly all non-African people carry around 2% Neanderthal DNA. Scientists have now found that certain gene variants inherited from Neanderthals appear more often in individuals with autism.
In a study involving over 3,400 participants, researchers identified 25 Neanderthal-derived gene variants related to brain development that were enriched in autistic individuals and their siblings. Interestingly, some of these variants also overlap with genes linked to epilepsy, a condition frequently co-occurring with autism.
While these gene variants do not directly cause autism, they may slightly increase the likelihood of its development. The findings suggest that traits associated with autism—like heightened perception, intense focus, and attention to detail—may have once provided evolutionary advantages, such as better pattern recognition, tool-making, or survival in complex environments.
This perspective reframes autism as part of our deep evolutionary story, not simply a modern condition. It emphasizes how ancient interbreeding may have helped shape diverse ways of thinking, interacting, and experiencing the world.
🧠 Autism is a spectrum neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people think, communicate, and relate to others. It manifests differently in every individual, ranging from minimal support needs to more significant assistance in daily life.
📖 Study Source:
Pauly, R., Johnson, L., Feltus, F.A. et al. Enrichment of a subset of Neanderthal polymorphisms in autistic probands and siblings. Molecular Psychiatry 29, 3452–3461 (2024).
