Genes associated with autism and schizoprenia may have given an edge to early humans:
For hundreds of thousands of years our ancestors made do with an array of hand axes, scrapers and thrusting spears. Then, around 100,000 years ago, there was a technological revolution, with many new and sophisticated implements appearing. … [Archaeologist Penny Spikins] argues that this technological tool revolution may have been triggered by a greater tolerance for people with traits on the autism spectrum. "I'm not saying that someone who isn't autistic wouldn't understand this technology, but that the innovation is more likely to come from someone who is systematic and has that unique focus on precision," she says.
Further thoughts from Penny Spikins here.
The Dish 