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Having a baby with my Asperger Boyfriend - Heredity

NAS66967

Hi to all of you !

I am in a relationship with my boyfriend since a couple years now, he is Asperger and we are now thinking about starting a family :)

I am looking for information on statistics and chances that our child develop autism too.
According to what I read on the internet the hereditary factor is quite important, although I cannot find precise statistics. Anyone have any clues?

Thank you!

  • Look at it from this point of view - you're with an Aspie so it can't be all that bad - and if you two function well together, you will be experts in early diagnosis and providing insightful support producing a well-rounded, fully functional, autistic-aware individual.   You child would have the best of both worlds.  Smiley

  • Hello! The reason why there are no statistics is that, like Anthony said, scientists are still researching what genes, environments, or correlations lead to autism being passed down. Autism is a rather complex condition with great variety in presentation, and it is probable that different aspects of it are controlled/passed down by completely different processes.

    Empirically though I'd say, look at yourself with a critical eye: do you have any autistic traits? Your genetic material being the one that could steer away from your boyfriend's aspie genes. From my own experience sitting in with parents of autistic children you could see ALL of us had traits, some stronger&unmissable, some milder or better-controlled.

    Lastly, this has nothing to do with your question, but  I'd like to say that having children is a challenging adventure: you can't know what you'll be getting into and you can only control part of the process. I assume you love and admire your boyfriend since you want to have children with him! If your children inherit  his aspergers - they will be a little like him, it's cool :) Being forewarned gives you a big advantage in knowing what to look for, when to seek support and where from, and - perhaps most importantly - learning parenting strategies that will work for you and your children (rather than the generic advice the wider public will follow and expect you to follow)!

  • I lack scientific expertise in this area but I've watched a few documentaries, read a few books, on Autism, and I can tell you that there is a hereditary link. That said, if you want to learn about Autism I recommend NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman, a book that goes into the entire history of it, and what we know now.

    The difficult aspect if you have an Autistic child is of course they may need more support and could be more likely to get bullied. On the other hand, some of the most clever people in history who have contributed a lot to progress and society have been Autistic. Also the Autistic mind has a different perspective and without difference a species becomes weaker, as it lacks a broad perspective and array of abilities.

  • According to my autism specialist there is some genetic link it is believed but at present they aren’t quite sure specifically what it is: how it occurs etc.