I would never say that Aspie people shouldn't have kids, but it is a consideration for me. My partner has definite spectrum traits in my opinion, and that together with my issues and family history makes it a definite possibility that any child we had might well have more severe problems than either of us do. I don't see ASD as a disease or a 'curse' or anything, but I do know how difficult it's been for me to cope with both childhood and adulthood, and wouldn't want to inflict that on anyone else. I'd also worry about my ability to cope with parenting (I need my personal space and downtime, and dislike loud/high-pitched noises, for example!).
Fortunately I don't feel much inclination to reproduce anyway, and the thought of pregnancy and childbirth is so horrifying to me that I can't see myself being able to do it. My adopted (rescue) dogs are my family and fulfill any maternal needs I might have, I like animals better than people as a rule so this suits me well enough.
02 Sep 2014, 3:35 pm
