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Will my children have Autism or Aspergers?

Andy570

Hi Guys,

I am new to the community and would like any advice you may have  on my situation. I know there has been many discussions with relation to autism and the genetics in families but I can't seem to find any information relating to my situation. I have a brother who has Aspergers Syndrome, none of the rest my my family or first/ second cousins have it that I know about. My partner's brother also has Aspergers Syndrome, none of her other brothers have it. I am aware that there is an increased risk our child developing Autism or Aspergers Syndrome but I would like to know if the chances are anyway increased if there is a history of Aspergers Syndrome on both sides of our family? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Hi Zitami, 

    Thanks for the reply, I am aware that each child with autism will be different with regards their strengths and weeknesses, my brother has Aspergeres Syndrome which it very mild but it still effects his life greatly. Of course having a child with autism would not be unacceptable to me and it would not put me off parenthood. 

    I suppose the reason I am asking the question is because I would like to be prepared to take action and provide support early. I am also curious to know if the chances of having an autistic are greatly increased considering the fact that my brother has Aspergers and my partners brother also has Aspergers Syndrome? Any of the post I have read online talk about one of the partners with a history of autism. 

  • Hi Andy,

    There is a genetic element to autism, so you are correct in thinking that having it in the family increases the chances of your having an autistic child.  However, the likely reason that you are finding it hard to get answers as to the specific chances is that there probably aren't any.  The best evidence currently would seem to suggest that autism is the result of complex interactions between numerous genes and the environment, so making any simplistic predictions is not likely to be possible.

    Perhaps a more useful use of your time would be to consider why you are asking the question.  Is it because having an autistic child would be unacceptable to you?  Maybe you want to know what to look out for to ensure a prompt diagnosis and support?  Perhaps you simply want to be prepared for any additional/specialist care needs in the event your child is on the spectrum?

    I don't mean to sound judgemental here, my personal opinion is that an honest appraisal and addressing of whatever your personal feelings may be is a sensible step prior to entering into parenthood.  Do bear in mind however that each autistic person is different so will not necessarily have the same strengths and difficulties as any family members.