Do you think ASD is genetic? - Autism Spectrum Message Board

Ilovemyboy · 02-15-2005, 08:10 AM

I was just wondering how you all felt. Do you think that ASD has genetic factors or just enviormental factors or both? I work with children with ASD and I have a 12 month old that is developing perfectly on target, but I still worry more than the average person because of what I do for a living. Thanks for any thoughts.

Al & Matt's Mom · 02-15-2005, 09:09 AM

Yes, I think there is a genetic component but I think it is activated by environmental factors. My son is PDDNOS. My husband's nephew is severely autistic. I have an NT daughter and my sister-in-law has 2 NT daughters. My friend has a son who is PDDNOS and an NT son. Her sister has a son who is aspie and an NT daughter. It definitely seems to run in families, more with the boys than the girls but there still seems to be some outside trigger. But, that's just my opinion.

sarahrose · 02-15-2005, 11:00 AM

I truely belive that it is genetic, however some don't agree. We have ASD in our family history, but some people have no history at all of autism or ASD. If people looked into their family history they might be surprised to find that that one long lost cousin was a bit different, but just not diagnosed because it was in a different era. I also think the environment plays a part as well, it seems that alot of Autistic children also have quite a few allergies, and not just food ones, environmental and asthma related. It's all kind of interesting.

momofchris · 02-15-2005, 04:24 PM

My husband and I along with Chris got genetic testing when Chris was dx with pdd. The dr told me there is no genetic reason why Chris is the way he is. There is noone in either family that is in the spectrum. THe test showed that he was developed "normally", but imo what is normal??!! Chris is the way he is and I can't imagine him any other way.

Ryan's mum · 02-16-2005, 03:33 AM

I too think autism is genetic. I come from a rather large family and I believe some of them are on the spectrum. My dad died of cancer when Ryan (HFA) was 8 months old and I had no idea anything was wrong then but my dad was certainly on the spectrum (although I didn't know it then). He was very much a loner, very intelligent, didn't like crowds or even large family gatherings, was a bit of a perfectionist and even in summer would like to have his blanket wrapped around him. I know all these things don't mean he was autistic but he was certainly quirky. I have nephews with anxiety issues and learning difficulties. Even I believe I may be somewhere on the spectrum I am a bit of an OCD, I can be quite shy and often don't know how to approach people although I am getting better with age.