So sorta semi-TIL post. For men, smoking cigarettes causes epigenetic changes which means (as I understand it) that the DNA damage caused by smoking is passed on to their children. The male sperm is damaged from the effects of smoking. There is a ‘significant’ chance of it causing “developmental disorders” which includes autism, ADHD and intellectual disability.
Honestly, search for the articles yourself, there are many and it’s an interesting rabbit hole. I do question how long this has been known to the cigarette companies who conduct their own research.
The UK has banned smoking cigarettes for under 16s for a reason. Making such a huge policy change like that must be for a very damaging reason. NZ did too, but pussied out - presumably from the lobbying.
So I just wanted to touch base and ask who has a father who smokes / used to smoke regardless of whether you’ve been officially diagnosed or think you may be autistic?
EDIT: I actually expected lots of downvotes for this post. There’s a great film called “Thank you for smoking” which everyone should watch.
Still bad information
This research is from the same kind of people who do “research” by observing children without actually trying to figure out what it is like to actually be Autistic. Who needs empathy when you can label and blame. The actual research done by actual Autistic people shows that Autism is really more of a difference than anything. That doesn’t quite generate PR like fear mongering does so you never hear about the research that actually helps people. Random genetic flips aren’t going to change something that’s been around since the dawn of time. There is no cure from something that’s a core part of a person. Trying to cure Autism is a result of some people being unhappy that people think different or behave in a way that breaks the Neurotypical subconscious.
Historically society to cure being homosexual and now days that’s generally unacceptable. In time I think people will stop trying to cure Autism as well.