Hi, I am a 26 year old high functioning autistic woman whose family seems to have a high genetic predisposition to autism. I was wondering if anyone knew the chances of an autistic female passing this on to her children? I heard that for autistic men it is around 59% but I figured for women it would probably be higher yet. Can anyone tell me if it would even be sensible to think that my children could even be normal? Can anyone help me?

From what I have read, asuming that autism is genetic is not necessarily the whole story. Recent studies seem to lean to a more regional or environmental causeation than genetics. Testing on identical twins seems to reul out exclusively genetic causes. Most likely the predisposition to autism is genetic only through the inability to overcome environmental factors. Check out the Counsel for Responsible Genetics for a different spin.

autism and i quote "is a combination of genetic and enviromental factors..." so yeah there is some genetic to it and there CAN be a TON of POSSIBLE enviromental matters so basically they have NO IDEA what is behind the up swing of autism if it is even more prevalent or if statistics are favoring autism as the new flavor of the month diagnosis;) i read a blurby somewhere saying that there is a 5% chance that you are more likely to have a autistic child if you already have one... 5% more than what though?:) but we had our newest baby anyhow even though our first son is severely autistic and very low functioning right now. i say if you want kids do it!:) and as far as normal goes that is highly over rated;) and as far as autism goes who better to raise your child than you if something comes up. you will ACTUALLY be able to understand your autistic child better than any of us NTs do and will be able to except things better than alot of other parents because you will be in a place to say. hey, autism isnt the end of life... look I had you:D obviously if you can have kids then autism hasnt ruined your life;)

anyhow just sort of rambling, waiting for my 3 month old to wake up and want to be fed:) but i say if you want to be a mom, and obviously you do, then do it. life is a crap shoot anyhow... you never know what you'll get:) just hope for only one head or delivery might not be so joyous:D

I agree with Liz. If you want kids, then go for it. I have no regrets about having my children, even though 2 of them are on the autism spectrum. You know what it is like first hand to grow up with an autism spectrum disorder. Therefore, you would know what it would be like for your child if (and only IF) they had an autism spectrum disorder as well. No one ever has any gurantees when they get pregnant that everything will turn out okay.

I have a friend who has a son with Aspergers. He is in his 20's and recently married. His wife and he weighed the risks and decided that they did want a child, but not a biological child. They are looking into the process of adoption. There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to this decision. You have to do what is right for you. I wish you the best.

-Steph