I just read that book about Henry Markram. One of his points is that autism is genetic, but how much and by when it shows depends on the calmness of the upbringing of the child in the first years. Him having grown up in a peaceful African village let his brain grow different from what children nowadays experience with information overflow and just overstimulation in general. So yeah, the environment we create (in general) could lead to more autism in a way.
Also upbringing could significantly impact the development, or lack of, coping skills for individuals. A kid with autism growing up in an environment where they can develop skills to help manage their autism may grow up without ever knowing they were autistic. Same coud be on the reverse where stricit restrictions could reduce the coping skills and exacerbate some of the difficulties that come with autism.
I just read that book about Henry Markram. One of his points is that autism is genetic, but how much and by when it shows depends on the calmness of the upbringing of the child in the first years. Him having grown up in a peaceful African village let his brain grow different from what children nowadays experience with information overflow and just overstimulation in general. So yeah, the environment we create (in general) could lead to more autism in a way.
Also upbringing could significantly impact the development, or lack of, coping skills for individuals. A kid with autism growing up in an environment where they can develop skills to help manage their autism may grow up without ever knowing they were autistic. Same coud be on the reverse where stricit restrictions could reduce the coping skills and exacerbate some of the difficulties that come with autism.