Online dating, reproductive success and the rise autism spectrum disorder prevalence

The increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been adequately explained. There is evidence that when people with a specific personality profile, including strong systematic thinking, attention to detail and lesser social communication skills, though not falling on the autistic spectrum (AS), are more likely to have children with autism, especially when both parents have such characteristics. The use of new technologies such as social networks facilitates the communication of these persons because it does not rely on skills in which they are deficient. We hypothesize that the massive use of such technologies for the establishment of romantic relationships increases the reproductive success of this population contributing to the increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder.