More data, but I doubt if it will prove to be the sole cause, and if stress, and the particular nature of that stress probably would matter, is shown to be a significant factor–rather than blame any individual, I think perhaps what might rightly be examined is the accepted and expected lifestyle norm as a society in which being somewhat harried, constantly available, and multitasking is somewhat expected.

([smile] Probably exposes my attitude towards modern living more than anything else).

I noticed Evan’s hands in the last 2 publicity/magazine photos I saw, not that it could say very much, but to me somehow the poses make it look like he is already under a bit of stress.

http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0002170

My wife found this paper a few weeks ago:

“Prenatal Restraint Stress Generates Two Distinct Behavioral and Neurochemical Profiles in Male and Female Rats” [not linking due to spam filter, etc]

Anyways, it provides a very nice model for creating some of the chemical signatures for autism via increased stress during pregnancy. Included are increases in BDNF, mGlu5 receptor abnormalities, and most impressively (imo), a striking male to female ratio similar to what is seen in autism. Very neat stuff.

- pD