Scientists have found genetic markers in a network of genes that allow them to identify up to 85% of one year olds who are predisposed to developing autism. These are GENES, so we’re talking about what these kids were born with. Sure, it may also be that those with particular genetic predispositions to immune related anomalies may have more unpredictable reactions to vaccines. And if so their regime would then be adapted accordingly leaving the world safer from a progressively more global army of vaccinated children.
I am told I would have had my food allergies since 1 week old, essentially born with the predisposition for them… I also have the gene marker for IgA deficiency (which I have and which expanded into IgG2 deficiency) and was later diagnosed with having no IgA, now still deficient but have some and developed IgG2 deficiency, at times also IgG4, complement C3 and was neutropenic until my 40s, now only intermittently. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (believed to be type 4) which is a genetic collagen disorder. Collagen is essential to 90% of all body tissue and organ development, including the brain… so when they say they have found autism related genes, it will be things like this I expect.
There’s things like 1 in 4000 in the general population develop mitochondrial disease, but a study found that 1 in 20 with autism do. Around 1 in 5000 in the general population have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but there’s anecdotal evidence there may be a significantly higher rate of autism in the EDS population than in the general population. Whilst IgA deficiency doesn’t always cause complications in others it causes a range of health issues and can progress to IgG deficiencies and a picture of CVID. The rate of IgA deficiency in the general population is 1 in 333 people, but in those with autism it is 20% have insufficient and 10% have none.
Progressively we have a situation now where autism and AS are being found to be biologically distinct entities and the range of health issues in those with autism are progressively being understood as neurologically connected. Its gonna be a different landscape in the next few years for sure
I was never desperate to cure my autism… but I did want rid of my Exposure Anxiety which was a major part of my autism fruit salad. And I did succeed in reducing that to near normal levels.
I wanted to overcome the isolation and sensory pain and overload and shutdowns from significant language processing disorder and the visual fragmentation of simultagnosia…. and I managed that… and sure, I became less ‘autistic’ as a result, but I remained autistic in general… just a more comfortable, happier, more I wanted to overcome brain fog, gut pain, autonomic chaos and PTSD…. I got some tools to help with these things and I was less distracted, more stable as a result, a more well adjusted autie which meant a more functional, more involved one.
I wanted to overcome significant cognitive challenges and did two years of brain gym to achieve that, becoming a less limited autie
I wanted to have equilibrium without mood, anxiety, compulsive disorders. I found tools to reduce those to the point they are not that far outside of what most people live with. That improved my health, my life and relationships, my ability to function. I was still autistic but happier with more potential, opportunity, consistency.
I don’t think this is the start of doctors snuffing out babies predisposed to developing autism. I don’t fear for the personhood of those babies born with a predisposition to developing autism who will be given earlier opportunities to reach their greatest potential. I don’t fear the loss of ‘autistic culture’ for all human beings are neurodiverse and all have their own level of ‘autism’ which they can explore and embrace if they need to or so wish.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.