Does autism run in families

[Londoner89]

I was told a few people in my family have autism. Both my parents were very premature at birth. I had difficulties with one of them who couldn't understand me or any other child in the family. They caused problems with other people too. They didn't understand boundaries. This has continued into old age. I recently discovered my daughter has autism. Looking back now I see there were signs. I myself could have this issue, although I'm finding that difficult to address right now

[Tronsformer]

from what I hear from professionals is that its pretty much certain that it can run in the family. From my personal experience 100% Yes. Only I have been diagnosed (well into my 30s). But both my parents show characteristics and grandparents on both sides sound like they could have been. My youngest child is almost certain to be autistic too.

I think for myself moving forward I’m going to try and make an effort to educate my family and children about autism and to understand it and to recognise how it affects them. Either as living with someone who has it or living with it themselves.

Its also weird/ironic that despite being hereditary most people are the ‘first generation Autism’ in their families.

[Bee-bop]

Hi there,From my understanding it can run in families but, not always like many things. For instance, I read that neuro divergent people are more likely to be hyper mobile (can tun in families). With that, my mum, myself and 3 of my children definitely have this. I seem to have had some Dyslexia and Dyscalculia as a child (not much now re writing and non with numbers) 2 children have struggled with Dyslexia and 1 with Dyscalculia, 1 of which has Autism (also Dyslexia) the other Dyspraxia (has both) 1 other child has Dyspraxia. The second child with Dyspraxia has not been told the have hyper mobility. My remaining child is classed neurotypical.

My child diagnosed with Autism has a different father to the others. I have read that younger parents and much older parents are more likely to have children diagnosed with autism, he was a younger parent. I have a friend whose partner is much older and whose child also has such a diagnosis. I unfortunately cannot remember who did such research or how they came by such findings.

For me it is more about trying to support my children with their very different needs. What I can say is that anxiety is the kicker for all of us bar 1 ! Which my mum definitely had at times and could have passed on genetically (nature) or socially (nurture) she was quite quick to temper so did leave you walking on eggshells. This is just my maternal line. My paternal side is more placid although again a bit of a fiery matriarch at the helm.

Do you feel that you have some traits that could lead to such a diagnosis? One of my children with Dyspraxia actually went for an Autism assessment but, was told there that it was Dyspraxia,Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. There are similarities with the two.