Yale University says genes are linked to high achievement

The same genes that cause higher intellectual achievement may trigger autism, a study suggests. A study of more than 5,000 people found that genes linked with exceptional brain power were also associated with the disorder. The Yale University authors said that the findings may explain why autism has not been eliminated by natural selection. Genes that have a negative effect on reproductive success normally die out. The researchers said that a variety of genes known to have effects including boosting brain growth were beneficial in most cases, and that is why they continue to be passed on. But the downside is that the same genes increase the chances of autism.