A genetics question

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
A genetics question
2
Thu, 11-17-2005 - 3:22pm
ok, someone please explain this to me. Why is it that after you have one child on the spectrum you have a 20 % increased chance of having another child on spectrum? My first child is NT and the jury is out on DS. Part of me would really like another daughter, but with so many possible gene combinations why does your chance of another spectrum child increase?
Thanks
Sonya
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-17-2005 - 5:27pm

Ya know, I am not a genetics expert at all, and the genetics for autism is still really new so I am not sure anyone can completely explain that.

I do know in general they do find that often there are more than one child with ASD in a family. Sometimes other kids won't be ASD but will have SID, LD's or ADHD.

I know lots of people who have multiple children with AS, or various levels of ASD. I know families where there is only one. We don't know why but it is a risk we take. It comes down to making a decision of what is right for your family and if the possibility of a second ASD child is part of that decision.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Sat, 11-19-2005 - 3:37am

I'm not a genetics expert either. But is it really any different to the likelyhood of curly hair, a large nose or even temperament being passed down the genetic line?

Like the previous posters, I do know of families that have more than one child with AS. Or of families where one of the parents has symptoms. On a personal level, since having DS diagnosed, I suddenly understand all the weird things that I do and why I have trouble with unwritten social cues LOL. I think I'm borderline Aspergers....and combined with a computer techo/maths whiz husband, it's no surprise that we've got an AS kid. Going back further, mum and I think that my dad (another techo brain) is also a borderline Aspie.

We've got an NT child and an AS child. Personally, we chose to not take the risk of having a third.

Here's a link to an article about AS and genetics that was published in Wired magazine a few years ago: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html

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