EJ'sMommy
02-14-2005, 06:12 PM
Having more children even though your child has PDD-NOS/AUTISM? If not, why? I just want to hear some opinons before jumping into anything.
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mango2
02-14-2005, 07:22 PM
I wanted more, but the diagnosis came right after a miscarriage, and my wife was too afraid of having another Autistic. I said what the hell, but I couldn't force her.
sarahrose
02-14-2005, 09:39 PM
Same thing happened to us Mango, I had just had a miscarriage, and Sam was diagnosed less than 6 months later, when we found out we decided the risk was too great to have another one. My husband and I belive that it would have not been a good idea because Sam needs soo much of our attention. I can't even imagine having more than 1, but there are kids in my sons school who have siblings in the spectrum, 1 family has 2 children attending the same school as mine, both with autism, 1 boy and 1 girl. It's your own choice, but some people are more equipped to handle more than 1, it's just not us. :confused:
TCoughlan
02-14-2005, 10:47 PM
We were trying to have another baby right before my son was dx'd.The neuro had suggested that if we were going to have more children we should have Ryan genetically tested. we decided to wait and absorb it all. Little did I know that I was already pregnant. We were told a 4% chance if it were a girl, and 40% chance if it were a boy that they would fall on the spectrum. I dont know how accurate the figures, but we had a girl. She is now 6 months old and we have enrolled her in a sibling study program.There have been some early questions about her development. Early Intervention is already seeing her but they say their gut feeling is that she looks good. I cant tell you how many times I question and I make myself crazy wondering if she has it too. But I wouldn't trade her in for the world! I am glad we had more children. Ryan has made huge progress since she was born. He is very affectionate towards her. Just today he took his 1.00 he was sent in a valentine card to buy a rattle for his sister.
Laceychase
02-14-2005, 11:40 PM
My son was only 6 months old when I got pregnant agian and he wasnt dx until 24 months. We just found out our youngest son also has a severe speech delay, and is slightly behind in other areas as well, so he may end up being some where on the spectrum. We would like to have other children but, just dont feel we have the time or resourses. It wouldnt be fair to the boys we have b/c they need so much attention right now. now when our youngest starts school we are thinking of looking into adoption. Its just a kind of wait ands see how things go now.0
momofchris
02-15-2005, 05:59 AM
I have a 11 month old "surpise" daughter that I was worried to death about her having autism. I see so many differences in her that I didn't see in Chris at her age. She is saying words and she "studies" my mouth when I talk to her. I wouldn't trade her for the world and she has helped Chris a great deal. He plays with her and is finally starting to say words himself.
Ryan's mum
02-15-2005, 07:24 AM
Ryan was diagnosed at 3 1/2 with HFA. We already had an older son and ever since I was young I wanted 3 children. Just before Ryan was diagnosed I had a miscarriage and I was devastated. My husband and I decided that 2 was enough but nature had other ideas and when my boys were 7 and 4 I found out I was pregnant and although concerned I was absolutely thrilled. We had another boy and I have watched him like a hawk since he was born watching for signs of autism. He is now almost 3 and is just beautiful with no signs of autism, he does have a slight speech delay but after being assessed we are confident he is fine. Ryan is the absolute light of our lives, he is so placid and quiet. I know we have been lucky and I thank god everyday that my boys are healthy and happy even with Ryan's autism. I am glad we had our third child he is a funny little fellow that keeps us laughing all day, we love him to bits. :angel:
Joey'smom
02-15-2005, 11:00 AM
Joey is the second of 4 children. He is the only one affected by any learning difficulties. We did not have a diagnosis of autism for him at the time. I was pregnant with my last when we could see that Joey had many issues. I was scared to death of bringing another child into the mix. My youngest has been the best thing that has ever happened to Joey. He plays with him and tries to teach him what he has learned at school. He never played with anyone until his younger brother came along. They are 3 years apart in age. My youngest is a year ahead developmentally and Joey is a year and a half behind. Having three other children I know that Joey will always have someone to depend upon if he needs it after my husband and I are gone.
2cutekids
02-15-2005, 11:14 AM
My son is almost 5 and dx with HFA/As. He was dx this past July. For about a month and a half, I didn't want anymore kids. (this was last April when I found out it could be Autism)
My dd is 2 and NT. I was staring to wonder if she had a speech delay, but is now coming along nicely. She had Viral Meningitis when she was 2 weeks old. They said that there was no lasting effects, but I just don't see that. I think it may have slowed down her speech developent a little. She is "fine" now.
Since she was born, (I'm talking NEWBORN) I wanted another one. She was so easy compaired to my son. Very quiet, happy, just a great baby. Easy to put to sleep everything.
I'm trying to talk dh into another one. I think I"m there, but he wants to wait until fall. I would like to start trying in a few months (I don't want a Nov or Dec baby, too much going on)... so I'm gonna start harping on him again in a few months.
I know that they risk is higher for us to have another child on the spectrum, but I also heve heard that they higher functioning the child is, it also LOWERS the risk and if it turns out to have another one, it is usually the same functioning as the first (((( don't jump down my throat about this... it is just what I read, it could be wrong))))
So YES, we have thought and are "probably" going to have another one! :) I can't wait ;)
My dd is 2 and NT. I was staring to wonder if she had a speech delay, but is now coming along nicely. She had Viral Meningitis when she was 2 weeks old. They said that there was no lasting effects, but I just don't see that. I think it may have slowed down her speech developent a little. She is "fine" now.
Since she was born, (I'm talking NEWBORN) I wanted another one. She was so easy compaired to my son. Very quiet, happy, just a great baby. Easy to put to sleep everything.
I'm trying to talk dh into another one. I think I"m there, but he wants to wait until fall. I would like to start trying in a few months (I don't want a Nov or Dec baby, too much going on)... so I'm gonna start harping on him again in a few months.
I know that they risk is higher for us to have another child on the spectrum, but I also heve heard that they higher functioning the child is, it also LOWERS the risk and if it turns out to have another one, it is usually the same functioning as the first (((( don't jump down my throat about this... it is just what I read, it could be wrong))))
So YES, we have thought and are "probably" going to have another one! :) I can't wait ;)
sarahrose
02-15-2005, 02:06 PM
I applaud you parents who take the risk even knowing that you could have another child with ASD, I was terrified to have another one with the same disorder, I know adoption is available, but even thats no safe bet, plus, my son is such a handful I don't even think I could consider it. :D