What is the possibility that certain mutations such as autism or schizophrenia could be successful adaptations to a future environment, where those individuals would then have the edge on survival?
Mental or cognitive "illness" may just be a matter of context. Both examples above may be highly adaptable by the changes brought about by a complete breakdown of technology and change of environment.
I watched a homeless person in a grocery store having a nice conversation with himself when this thought arrived. I look around and see people everywhere so comfortable with structure and wonder...what if most of today's "normals" generally, would not have the survival skills necessary to adapt successfully in the face of sudden environmental change?
If it our current structure was obliterated by the effects climate change or war, then what traits would become more useful? The traits of the CEO or the transient? I think the transient folks would certainly have an edge with skills for living with less. These traits which now may keep such people on the fringe of society, may be beneficial and highly successful in a different societal environment.
Autistic individuals, with many being savants and brilliant in their isolation, would possibly thrive in a world with less "noise" and social interaction. With no experience with autistic children, this is total speculation, but have these questions been asked? What is non-adaptive now, may be beneficial in a changed environment, and possibly this is why the mutation is occurring now in 1 of 88 births.
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