The Atlantis Gene (The Origin Mystery, #1)

by A.G. Riddle

“I don’t follow. How does ASD connect with evolutionary genetics?” “We know that almost all of the conditions on the autism spectrum have a strong genetic component. They’re all caused by a difference in brain wiring that is controlled by a small group of genes. My research focuses on how those genes affect brain wiring—and more importantly, how a gene therapy might turn on or off genes that would increase their social abilities and improve their quality of life. There are tons of people somewhere on the autism spectrum who live independent, enjoyable lives. For example, individuals diagnosed with Asperger syndrome simply have a lot of difficulties socializing and usually focus intensely on an area of interest—computers, comics, finance, you name it. But it doesn’t always have to be limiting. In fact, specializing is the key to success these

For Jess part 1

days. Take a look at the Forbes list—if you tested the individuals who made their fortune in computers, biotech, and finance, I guarantee you the majority would land somewhere on the autism spectrum. But they got lucky—they won the genetic lottery. Their brains operate in a way that allows them to solve complex problems and manage enough social skills to function in society. That’s what I was trying to do, give my kids a fair shot at life.”

For Jess part 2