Modern humans carry a surprising legacy from our ancient cousins, the extinct Neanderthals. A new study suggests that archaic genes that most people carry as a result of interbreeding events tens of thousands of years ago may influence our susceptibility to autism. Researchers found that people with autism have an overrepresentation of specific Neanderthal-derived variations in their DNA compared to control groups. While these variations don’t guarantee autism, they may act as a hidden risk factor, adding another layer of complexity to understanding this neurological disorder. “This is the fir…