A message from Captain Obvious

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http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/ ... -of-autism

Sometimes I think science has set too high a standard of proof for itself.

Maybe.

There does obviously seem to be a genetic component.

I feel really weird saying that. I know exactly what my curebie mother would say and I've been shutting up and pretending to think I'm broken so long I don't even know if I believe it myself.

But the study's not just saying that there's a genetic component (which is the biggest "duh" I've heard today), it's saying they think they know what the genetic component is.

K. As I understand it, they've identified a genetic link between autistic people. But it's not just one thing, it's a whole bunch of things. And even if they have the thing, it doesn't mean it will cause autism. If this goes through into medical practise, they'll test for this stuff and medicate, but there's a HUGE chance of a misdiagnosis.

Interesting, perhaps, but unhelpful as it is right now.

lol, agreed! WebMD = "well, duh" = Dr. Phil-isms = ....no kidding

Few months ago I found a classic "oh no" of an article (Psych Central, nontheless) - "Pregnant women who consume black licorice have high incidence of children with ADHD and Autism" The article was shoddy at best (and at least silly). But we all had a good laugh - Psych Central even included a photo of a pile of 'Good & Plenty.'

Imaginary scenario: Ob/Gyn with pregnant patient at appointment: "So, do you smoke?" Drink alcohol?"
She: "Oh, no - never."

Ob/Gyn: "Good. Eating healthfully?"
She: "Yes."

Ob/Gyn: "Good. Now, are you eating black licorice?"

geez

Or, for article in that WebMD link: "Did you have sex with an Aspie???"
She: "Yes, and during courting, we ate LOTS of black licorice."

It's Fetal Licorice Syndrome. And it's genetic.