Autism Genes Linked to Higher IQ

Studies have found that the same genes that increase the risk of developing autism are also linked with higher intelligence. Researchers in Scotland tested nearly 10,000 samples of peoples DNA as well as their thinking abilities. From that sample most of the people who had genes associated with autism on average scored higher on the cognitive thinking. Those who are at risk for developing autism don't always develop the disorder. The study showed that the findings prove that genetic variation with an increased risk for autism has given better thinking abilities to the individuals who do not develop autism. Nick Martin, head of the Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory at the Queensland Institute in Australia, believes that the people who carry the genes for autism have a small intellectual advantage. Even though about 70% of the people who are autistic have intellectual disabilities it has been found that some people have a higher than average intelligence.

Based on this article it can not be assumed that they are referring to all types of autism. There are many different forms of the disorder which affects each individual differently. Some may only have a mild case while others are more severe. Some children only suffer from social situations while others may have trouble with speech. It is interesting that people who have an increased risk for developing autism are found to have a higher intelligence. Years ago it was something that would never have been thought of and to finally put a connection together is remarkable. It just shows us how amazing and complex genes can really be.

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Anxiety vs Intelligence

Scientists at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center have found that high intelligence and and the ability to worry both correlate with the same brain activity.  A depletion of the nutrient choline in subcortical white matter of the brain is found in cases of both high intelligence and worry.



Excessive worry is mostly seen to people as high strung and is typically portrayed in a negative light, but this worry is what causes people to stay out of dangerous situations.  People of higher intelligence tend to take less risks, and therefore have higher survival rates.

The study used a group of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and a control group of people without it.  Only in the  in the group of people with anxiety was there a higher level of intelligence correlated with it.  Scientists have found that this connection is mostly true with higher intelligence and lower intelligence, and less in the moderate intelligence.  This could be because people who are not as smart do not achieve as much.  A higher degree of worry could definitely be a positive towards survival rate though, but may not play as big a part in today's society as it has in decades past.