Causes of Autism

Post Reply New Topic

Was wondering what everyones opinion is on the causes of Aspergers or Autism in general.

My aspie is an only child. What are the chances of me having anothere aspie?
Will he have an aspie child?

Thanks Guys!

***my oldest son was diagnosed w/ Asperger's last summer
**my middle son was diagnosed w/ autism spectrum disorder on Monday
*& my youngest needs speech & language therapy.

There was never any history of neurological problems before on either sides of our family.

Hope that helps.

There have been several genetic differences found in autistics so far. It is pretty certain that the cause is genetic. I am an Aspie, with an Aspie father, Autistic brothers, and two Aspie sons. Seems reasonable to me that it’s inheritable.

There may still be some research necessary into factors that may be magnifying, exacerbating, or even triggering the more dramatic symptoms of autism in those who do have the genetics that make them vulnerable to such factors. I don’t know if I believe in all that complexity, myself.

The major reason there has been such a surge in newly diagnosed Aspies is most likely because there was no official diagnosis available until 1994. And it takes a while for all the professionals to catch up on things that happen after they’ve already finished school.

Sometimes a family can have many ancestors with autism who never got – or even needed to get – diagnosed as being autistic.

Sometimes distant relatives even disappear off the family tree when they become “odd” or become institutionalized.

I think it's genetic. Anyone who thinks vaccines is the cause are only looking for something to blame, they think their genepool is too 'pure' to produce aspies and autistics, they think we are sick or something.... I know my mom thought this way.

Chance is chancy. You might have another Aspie, you might not. You'd know when you'd know, of course, but it's not a sure thing or an impossibility.

As for the chances that your son, once he grows up and gets married, will have Aspie children, it will depend on any number of factors. By then, though, we might know for sure what causes autism in all instances, and we'll know exactly what autism is. But again, that itself is a chance.

If you want another child, don't let doubts cloud your mind; Just do what you think is right.