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Me!

Undiagnosed

Hi. I don't see a problem in revealing my identity. I'm 75, my employment status isn't at risk. Is it feasible to get diagnosed at my age? I've always been different, couldn't make or keep friends. I'm.happily married to the most patient woman in the world, three children, seven grandchildren. One grandson is non-verbal autistic, another is high functioning but also has attention deficit syndrome (I think its called), a third might be on the spectrum. I have many questions but could their autism or suspected autism be down to inheriting from me?

Parents

  • Hi, The probability within a family is high once you know that autism is diagnosed amongst relatives. I have autistic children and my niece's children are autistic. I was 58 when I was first diagnosed. I did not choose this pathway. My doctor thought I had alzheimers so I was referred for that. As my scores did not match my age and gender I was sent for further testing for comorbid issues. From that I was diagnosed autistic. I tell you this because whilst I would rather be autistic than have alzheimers I would never have gone for testing just to see. Autism is not really inherited  per say. It is probably about 40% due to genetics and then influenced by environmental factors. This means you can't really say anyone inherited it from you. It is about the way our brain is structured and we have different neuro pathways than neurotypicals. There are so many factors at play which is why autism is considered to be a spectrum. Your grandson who has attention deficit disorder and autism sounds AuDHD. Your non verbal autistic grandson will be communicating in other ways. It is lovely that you are blessed with such a family and I wish you well in finding answers to your questions.

Reply

  • Hi, The probability within a family is high once you know that autism is diagnosed amongst relatives. I have autistic children and my niece's children are autistic. I was 58 when I was first diagnosed. I did not choose this pathway. My doctor thought I had alzheimers so I was referred for that. As my scores did not match my age and gender I was sent for further testing for comorbid issues. From that I was diagnosed autistic. I tell you this because whilst I would rather be autistic than have alzheimers I would never have gone for testing just to see. Autism is not really inherited  per say. It is probably about 40% due to genetics and then influenced by environmental factors. This means you can't really say anyone inherited it from you. It is about the way our brain is structured and we have different neuro pathways than neurotypicals. There are so many factors at play which is why autism is considered to be a spectrum. Your grandson who has attention deficit disorder and autism sounds AuDHD. Your non verbal autistic grandson will be communicating in other ways. It is lovely that you are blessed with such a family and I wish you well in finding answers to your questions.

Children