The Imprinted Brain  How genes set the balance between autism
and psychosis  Is Literacy a Factor in “The Autism Epidemic?"
Modern language may make mild autism more noticeable.  Most
authorities accept that some part—if not necessarily all—of the
increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in modern Western
societies is attributable to improved diagnosis, and especially
to greater awareness of high-functioning forms of ASD, such as
Asperger’s syndrome. But an earlier post suggests that there may
also be a more fundamental, cultural factor involved where
diagnosis of ASD is concerned.  What I have in mind here is the
finding that what you might call the language of mentalism—the
ability to describe mental states in words—has evolved with
advances in literacy.  English provides a telling example,
thanks to the fact that historical development in its vocabulary
is clearly revealed by its evolution from Germanic Old English
(before 1150) via Middle English following the Norman Conquest
(1150-1350) to late Middle