Just a few questions

[Jakobb]

Hi,

Sorry to bother you guys it's just i'm new here and i just had a few questions regarding 'ASD' and don't know where else to go;

If i go on to have children (unlikely but would like to know for future is necessary) would this be passed onto them via genetics?

What is it?

Doe's anyone else get told 'You haven't got it, Never thought you had it, No you haven't got it, It's just a label you like using etc*' and if so, what is the best way to respond?

Are everyones symptoms different, because when i read sites i'm like 'I'm not like that etc*'?

Is it ok to be embarrassed about having it (sorry if this question causes offence) ?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for having so many questions which are probably stupid.

Many thanks,

Jakobb

*'etc' stands for etcetera for anyone who isn't quite sure. You can find definition at the following link; thefreedictionary.com/etcetera

[Hidden]

To answer your first question everyone is on the Spectrum , it's how far the behaviour part affects your life gives you a diagnosis. Yes there is an increased risk of having an Autistic child. Your best bet if you decide to go down that route is genetic counselling.

Getting a diagnosis is the hardest part. Going back to your original question as to how to respond is to tell them "We are all on the Spectrum". Some of the worlds cleverest people are Autistic, mini Proffesors , brilliant Artisits , Musicians, it's not what you can't do it's what you can. It's a neurodevelopmental condition , you are born with it.

Each person is unique, that's why so many people are not diagnosed. The assesment book is quite rigid in its questions, needs a radical overhaul in my opinion, that's how folks are not being diagnosed.

A lot of folks are embarrassed about their diagnosis. Oh you should be so PROUD overcoming all your emotional and sensory difficulties. The choice is up to you if you decide to tell people.

There are all sorts of other issues associated with ASD. It's not straight forward, it's like solving a jigsaw. Dyslexia, dyspraxia , dyscalculia, epilepsy , Tourette's are just examples.

One of the most difficult things to get a diagnosis for is PDA syndrome. There are only a few places in the UK who will diagnose the condition and that's privately. There is a group of parents who have set up a website . Anyone who has a child on the Autistic Spectrum where normal strategies don't work I suggest you read this. There is so little information out there.

pdasociety.org.uk/families/...

It's such a positive step to ask for advise, well done. There is such a poor understanding overall of ASD it's much better to ask those who are living with the condition.

I hope this helps you.

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dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

If you read some of the suggested illnesses people have been given before the correct diagnosis was made.

There needs to be a far better understanding of ASD and all the associated conditions by all professionals .

[Nozmo]

Hi Jakobb,

There is a definite genetic link to autism. There is an increased risk of having children with the condition but it is not a certainty. How it works is still not fully understood. My son has autism and I certainly have some of the traits so I'm pretty sure he gets it from me.

"What is it?" Is very hard to answer simply. Because it's a spectrum there can be a whole range of "symptoms" but these usually involve difficulty in communication, social interaction and flexibility in activities and interests. Look at the link for a much better description than the one I have just given.

autism.org.uk/about/what-is...

It's still an emerging condition and not fully understood or catered for in a lot of countries. I know of some people who treat it with suspicion and doubt it actually exists, and think that people on the spectrum use it as an excuse for socially unacceptable behaviour. I think the best way to respond to people like this is through knowledge. They are usually poorly informed and their arguments can be blown out of the water. I took an Open University course so I could better understand autism and argue its case on behalf of my son.

There's no need to feel embarrassed about having it. Be proud of who you are!

Hope this helps

[HELLO1234567890]

i am studying ASD in psychology you may pass on your genetics but it depends on how heavy or mild your Asperger syndrome is so your child might get it or might not