Tldr "The researchers found that certain regions of the cerebral cortex showed lower neuron density in autistic children than in controls. That means were there less brain cells in regions associated with memory, learning, reasoning and problem-solving.
On the other hand, the study found that the brains of autistic children had higher neuron density in the amygdala. A part of the brain’s limbic system, the amygdala is a small but critical structure with multiple functions. The amygdala processes emotions, and connects those emotions to tasks like learning, memory formation, and sensory processing. It’s also the home of the fight or flight response."
They also talk about how this doesnt mean a whole lot because autistics were faster at problem solving in previous studys.
I’m autistic and I think I’m faster at problem-solving because I use procedures I’ve stored in long-term memory, rather than fluid intelligence. I mimic fluid intelligence with extremely efficient sets of building blocks.
Kind of like a weak processor but a vast, well-indexed database of efficient solutions ready-made.
What if these differences aren’t the result of autism, but societal neglect as a result of autism?
Think about it. Increased flight/fight and less developed super imporant regions school is supposed to stimulate development in. It’s like that basketball coach analogy. People don’t waste time on those they don’t believe in. Add in some bullying and voila. Perfectly adapted to the enviroment!
The result of societal neglect as a result of autism is a result of autism.
Like, there’s no perfect way to distinguish between those things.
