Would you have another child in my situation?

[AnneSloanePaint]

One child, extremely intelligent, chatty, wise for their years beyond belief. Wins awards for something they are so talented in and is unusual for their age.

Another child completely and utterly disabled in every way possible, cannot even understand their own name at the age of 6. Will never lead a normal life. Autistic, severe learning difficulties, multiple disorders. Gets halfway through primary school and still can't talk or use the toilet.

Same father. No disabilities either side of the family. You meet a new man and fall pregnant. Would you keep the baby? Or be afraid of it inheriting similar disabilities as the second child?

Jeez I did it again! half sibling

I would definitely go for the genetic testing and it depends if you have the funds for their care including for when both of you are elderly or gone. Are there any resentments from your first child?

Its not a decision anyone can advise you on. It has to be based on your very particular circumstances and, if you are already pregnant, on your gut feelings as well as all the practicalities.

What would I do? I wouldn't have another child. I also have two children - one very bright, capable NT child and one child with autism and severe challenges associated with this. I don't think our family would cope with another baby, more responsibility and commitment piled upon me and DH, less time and energy for the two children we already have.

I did have to make this very difficult decision in reality when I had an unplanned pregnancy 4 years ago. I decided to terminate.

Sending what ever you decide.

I would get genetic counselling.

Is there any heritable factor in your younger child's condition? There is a heritable factor in autism but then autism often goes along with other severe learning disabilities / epilepsy/ developmental delay etc and may not be heritable.