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genetics; questioning myself and mother

shopgirl

My son is awaiting an ASD diagnosis but its pretty obvious he has autism. With every new day i spend with him i question further and become more convinced that my mother was autistic and that i also have some strong traits.

Im not to sure what to make of this. i dont think id get a diagnosis and i manage ok in life so wouldnt feel the need to anyway but it still troubles me somewhat, especially that my mother may have had it too.

Is there any support or advice for people in this situation. im not sure what im looking for. maybe just to chat to someone and be reassured im not being silly. Its just something i keep thinking about and analysisng.

  • lots of things to think about here. not sure how much of it fits to me but thanks for the info Smile

  • When you say you manage in life OK, do you think you have been lucky and in conducive/protective environments, or do you think you have faced a lot of adversity and still coped?

    I'd be interested to know your traits and whether you have an co-morbid anxiety or depression etc.

    Some relatives of people on the spectrum have some slightly autistic traits, sort of an "Aspie lite" but are not diagnosable.  It could be though, that they are on the spectrum and were just in fortuitous circumstances for whatever reason and didn't present enough of a "problem" to get diagnosed.

    If you are female, females with ASC do find it more difficult getting assessed and diagnosed because all the research has been done on males and the diagnostic criteria written on males.  Awareness is starting to improve that females do present a little differently than males, but it's patchy and some clinicians just don't get it.

    I have made a thread which is stickied about adult assessment and diagnosis, please do have a look at that to see what is involved and what your rights are.

    Also, bear in mind that alexythymia is not uncommon on the spectrum, so you may have difficulties that you just haven't identified yourself yet.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia

    You have the right to be assessed no matter your age, according to statutory guidance resultant of the Autism Act, if you present with traits of autism.  Try this test: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG142/AQ10Test/pdf/English

    I think the cut-off is 6/10 and if you score that or above you should definitely see your GP for referral, taking the results.

  • I don't think you are being silly. .my son has just been diagnosed with aspergers and the more I read the more I think both me & my husband are possibly on the spectrum!  My dad most definitely is..we have always said theres something about my dad he has funny ideas etc & my son is very like him! I would say that we are probably at the.high functioning side altho my husband has possible dyslexia as well and he is definitely more socially withdrawn than me & my dad!  I also have a 8 yr old daughter and again aside from the social issues she displays many of the traits.  I have decided that as at present she is not experiencing difficulties to leave for time being but will keep close eye on her!  I suppose this is a long winded way of saying I defo think genetics play a big part!  :-)