“Geek Gene” Ruled Out in Autism Cluster

Wednesday, 06 January 2010 | by Pat's Picks

After parents in Silicon Valley noticed a disproportionate number of their children were autistic, they investigated everything from environmental contaminants to the possible existence of a “geek gene” for answers. But the San Jose Mercury News says researchers have fingered an unusual suspect: high levels of parental education.  Those studying the so-called “autism clusters” say parents in the affected areas tend to be more educated and thus more likely to “fight for a diagnosis.”