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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!

Parents

  • 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)!

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  • 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)!

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