Will you concider.... - Autism Spectrum Message Board

EJ'sMommy · 02-14-2005, 03:12 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.

mango2 · 02-14-2005, 04:22 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, 06:39 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.

TCoughlan · 02-14-2005, 07:47 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, 08:40 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