Risk factors for autism? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

pharmgirl · 03-29-2001, 11:54 AM

I was just wondering if anyone had any info on risk factors for autism? My brother is autistic and my nephew is also autistic. Just wondering if I have a child if I'd be at risk too. Does anyone here have more than one autistic child in their family?

Tired2ru · 04-02-2001, 10:39 PM

Most certainly you would be at a higher risk yourself as well as your childrens children. However the risk may be somewhat small. You would want to, I would think, carefully pick a husband who does not reflect any dissorder or characteristics that might influence or trigger any autism in the lines. No ADHD or Dislexia, Coldness, lack of empathy. That's just my opinion. I would not stop from having children if your ready and wanting, but certainly you would want to carefully monitor your baby the first 2 years. I know many Autistic kids within a family. You might read "Without Reason" by Charles Hart. He had an Autistic brother and then had an Autistic son. You will apprieciate his expierince and come away with valadation and reasoning that might help this conflict questioning you have. Hope it helps.
Sandy

RPM · 04-03-2001, 02:26 AM

Hello.I happen to have Autism and Seasonal Affect Disorder and I wouldn't be suprised if I als have ADHD.My sister does have ADD and their is evidence in my Mother's family that there are others in that family with ADD as well.I however do not have any desire to even attempt to breed disabilities out of future children at all.I have a feeling I will marry a Dyslexic woman I think that would be totally cool or something.