Scientists find autism-correlated gene also linked to schizo

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Scientists find autism-correlated gene also linked to schizophrenia
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/6i2ZQl/ww ... izophrenia

Their has always been some sort of link, almost like an extremity of the spectrum, when individuals are closed out of society or not allowed on societies terms, pushed to the extremes of who we are I sort of feel, just a thought really... We have both conditions within my extended family, including bipolar which seems to be between the two I feel anyway. Its almost like we are neurological wired differently for a reason and I feel at times born to push boundaries and not fit in!

My take : On the edge of a circle not feeling apart of, not really wanting to, simply wanting to be self. What choice are we given often conform or be pushed further off the edge. At times being different can feel like being asked to run before we can walk, being ask to fly when we have no wings, to exhausting to continually try..., so the only thing is to embrace individual uniqueness and be me.


but would love you views on this...

opinion: de-evolution and un-progress of knowledge.
(Lets make the earth flat in the middle of the cosmos!)
Autism used to be lumped together with schizophrenia.
Both are different with their own spectrums.
Schizophrenia is almost as broadly defined as
"mental illness".
BUT
Schizophrenia may imply psychosis with hallucination and
delusion to many people. Lumping it with autism only
creates a dumbed-down black-and-white polarization,
so people can only either be:
"normal" or "mentally ill" (=ret*d+insane).

NTs (overgeneralized opinion) appear to me to be
mass-media-mesmerized zombies who believe whatever
they read or hear.

A link with schizophrenia has been suspected for some time, I think. The Wikipedia article on the inheritability of autism mentions that many people with autism have 1st degree relations with schizophrenia (and some other conditions).

However, just because the same genes MAY be involved, doesn't mean that schizophrenia and autism are the same kind of thing. Genes can be expressed in different ways, and possibly other genes or even external factors may determine whether the genes identified in the article will produce autism-like symptoms or schizophrenic-like symptoms. It is all too murky still to make any definite conclusions, as far as I am aware.

The genetics of ASDs is a fascinating topic, but it doesn't change what autism is: ASDs are not a form of psychosis, even if some of the genes involved can cause psychosis in other people. Of course, the social deficits of schizophrenia and ASDs have some similarities...

I've been pushing the boundaries, in one way or another, my entire life. God made me of a 60s Spirit. I honour that, instead of forcing myself to fit in and blend in. If I were to fit in, with my typical peers, I would be the most miserable 35 year old, on this planet. I find that it makes more sense for me, to live in my British 60s time warp, and push the limits. I'm mush happier, this way. I know that lots has changed, since 1964, but I'm not going to change my now desired length and style of hair, or the clothes that I wear. Yesterday evening, I've dressed the way that The Kinks did, in 64, with the red jacket, black trousers and the ruffled shirt, but white instead of yellow. It was the happiest that I've ever been, the entire year, being out with my friends, so far. The reason that it was one of my better nights, was because I've pushed the limits that little bit, and did my own thing that little bit more. Fit in and be miserable, or push the limits, do my own thing, and be happy? I'd rather be happy, than miserable.

when being conforming OR being yourself BOTH cause issues, I am at the point of just simply saying "f**k it why do I have to pick a f*****g side.". Society has become more and more ridiculous the more technology is used to integrate EVERYTHING. Sometimes I am starting to believe I belong in the Renaissance era instead of the current one for some reason I just cant explain, granted id have to hide my non-believer status from the ever-present church back then.
But yeah, Technology can help us as well as ostracize us further. Some examples, you are pretty much considered an idiot nowadays if you dont have an IPod, IPhone/other smartphone, if you dont use the 'latest' social networking site and accept every request and s**t. I am at the point that im wishing that if 2112 happens, it isnt an extinction event, but a combination of permanently disabling 99% of our technology, as well as something similar to what shadowrun had, minus the huge corporations.

Speaking about Schizophrenia, i've read today in my university's newspaper that there is a parasite that can cause symptoms in humans similar to schizo. The illness is called Toxoplasmosis and can affect most warm-blooded animals,mostly cats. <.< The parasite usually doesn't include humans in its life cycle, but it can do damages to a human foetus. <.< Do be careful if your cat hunts for mice. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasma_gondii )

I know that Hans Asperger, when first identifying Asperger's in children, thought that the syndrome was a disorder that was a precursor for schizophrenia. In other words, he thought that those with Asperger's would eventually develop schizophrenia. It's not true, but it is interesting that they have found a gene that is related somewhat to autism, and that Hans Asperger could see that they were somehow related.

I think the real problem is many many professionals try and cram us into boxes we may never fit as we all are a combination of differences, variables and so I feel we can not compartmentalise each specialist subject, as with each diagnosis that helps us understand that little bit more, but there is no real comparable as each individual is a combination of many factors. - Spectrum-wise or otherwise a criteria of endless possibilities...