24/07/2025
🚨 Autism has been linked to Neanderthal DNA in modern humans
According to research, around 50,000 years ago, humans and Neanderthals interbred, and as a result, most people today carry about 2% Neanderthal DNA.
Scientists have now discovered that certain pieces of this ancient DNA are more common in people with autism.
These genetic variations don’t cause autism directly but may slightly increase the chances of developing it. In a study of over 3,400 people, researchers identified 25 Neanderthal-derived gene variants linked to brain development that showed up more often in autistic individuals. Some of these variants are also tied to epilepsy, which often occurs alongside autism. The findings suggest that ancient interbreeding may have shaped how modern brains work, influencing traits like perception, attention to detail, and social behavior. Some of these ancient traits may have even been advantageous in early human societies – aiding in focus, pattern recognition, or tool-making. The study reframes autism as not just a modern diagnosis, but part of our deep evolutionary story – a legacy of ancient human hybrids shaping how we think, see, and interact with the world today. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people think, communicate, and interact with the world around them. It exists on a spectrum, meaning it shows up differently in each person, with some needing little support and others requiring more help in daily life. Common traits include differences in social communication, repetitive behaviors, focused interests, and sensory sensitivities.
Pauly, R., Johnson, L., Feltus, F.A. et al. Enrichment of a subset of Neanderthal polymorphisms in autistic probands and siblings. Mol Psychiatry 29, 3452–3461 (2024).
