Origins of ASD and its methods of maintenance throughout evolution

Haastert, Ivo van (2024) Origins of ASD and its methods of maintenance throughout evolution. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a selection of neurodevelopmental disorders that are seen to be highly heritable. Core symptoms of ASD are repetitive obsessive behavior as well as deficits in communication and social interaction. Besides these characteristics, there are many comorbidities observed, including many of the psychiatric disorders. ASD presents itself as a heritable disorder with many negative consequences, its steady prevalence is therefore paradoxical. To find out why ASD still exists, the origin of ASD as well as exposure to evolutionary forces on ASD will be assessed in this thesis. Explanations for the origin of ASD alleles were found in imbalances of genomic imprinting in genes involved with ASD. Another finding indicated codependence of ASD alleles with intelligence genes to be of importance in ASD origin. Concerning the evolutionary theories hypothesizing why ASD is still around, intertwinement with intelligence and adaptive strategies were discussed. Intelligence was seen to possibly indirectly provide benefits to ASD, while behavioral patterns seen in ASD might have directly led to benefits via specific strategies. These theories provide insightful perspectives on ASD, even in our current society. nevertheless, can they explain only part of the research question. Because of the multifactorial nature of ASD, further research is needed to better understand this complex disorder.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Jorna, L.M.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	26 Jun 2024 11:39
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2024 08:26
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/32795

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