ASD / Autism - What do you think caused it in your family?

[Wanderingthoughts]

Inspired by my own experience and talking to two friends who's children are autistic.

My DS, 8, diagnosed ASD (formerly Aspergers, geeky-intelligent type). I think comes from his father (my ex). Their ASD traits are very similar and I think his father would definitely be diagnosed. DS also has ADHD which I think comes from me (I have lots of traits) and this is his primary diagnosis and much more prominent. So in our case, I lean towards genetic, although I was anaemic during pregnancy, had a low lying placenta and DS was born via induction and ventouse.

I'm pregnant with DC2, this time a girl, and my current DP has no ASD traits, and none I can see from anyone in his family. I am, however, anaemic again and this time facing having an iron infusion as the tablets haven't worked. I've read some research that low iron in pregnancy can be a potential cause of autism.

My friend has a 3 children, only one (DS2) is diagnosed Autistic. He has a more classical presentation, non-verbal, developmentally delayed and requiring a special school. She feels his autism comes from a long and traumatic birth, and she has no family history of ASD.

Ditto for another friend, she also has 3 children, and her DS1 is both Autistic and has learning difficulties. Her other two children are unaffected. Similar to my first friend, she thinks the cause of his autism was a long and difficult labour and birth trauma. No family history of ASD, although I can see some ASD traits in her DH!

What do you think the cause, if any, in your personal family experience?

I really don’t think this is an offensive post. There is no definite cause of autism on the .org website so it’s interesting to hear a variety of opinions of those who have been affected or have experience of being affected.

@Quitelikeit im not completely sure what you’re asking but I’ll try to answer to the best of my ability.

Genetic sequencing is still very much in its infancy, there are 100s of genetic conditions that can’t be tested for. Autistic people who also have associated learning disabilities are autistic in the same way “geeky” autistic people are autistic but perhaps have additional genetic changes, parts of the brain which are more or differently affected by their autism. As unique individuals with unique genetic makeup the genes that are affected and the role they play in development will play a role on how the person is impacted and how their autism determines their abilities and disabilities.

I’m not sure how helpful you’ll find that.

Do you get this angry about eye colour or height? No.

Genetics is certainly a factor but I've always wondered if having thrush while pregnant may have played a part. Anyone else?

I really don’t think this is an offensive post.

I mean sure, have your opinion and I will have mine.

His paediatrician referred him for a micro array blood tests when he was diagnosed at three no.it's not fragile X although I think.they also tested for it ,they found a deletion on the P.arm of chromosome 16
And the geneticist,s at St Mary's hospital in Manchester believe it's the underlying cause of his Autism and learning disabilities.

What bollocks!

The question is insulting.

It is helpful thank you

If you take a step back from the genetics and assume there is no family history of autism but there is now a child with autism

Would you be asking if something external is influencing the undeveloped brains in babies - or do you think unlikely that infections/meds can alter the brain development and that the gene has been lying dormant for years

I think the anaemia thing is bullshit. Let’s not go around worrying women about that! 🙄

I was anaemic with my first, he is neuro typical.

No anaemia with my second. She is autistic.

Definitely genetic. I realised that I had masked all my life and my life made sense when I found out I was autistic, after my daughters diagnosis.

I have no doubt that at least my father is autistic, possible my brother too. 2 of my cousins have children with autism and i can see traits in other family members.

So, genetics, genetics, genetics! People are autistic. End of.

No idea. DS5 is autistic (on the less severe end) and there is no history of autism in either family we’re aware of. Of course there might be somewhere, but certainly not in the immediate family. I’m sure there is a genetic cause though. He was a very ‘normal’ baby/ toddler, meeting milestones, happy, chatty, lots of eye contact etc and in his case it seemed to manifest quite ‘late’ (3.5 ish). I guess this ties in with it being developmental, in that whilst he was always going to be autistic it wasn’t until his brain started developing more that it became evident?

I had a terrible traumatic birth with DS and we both nearly died so I’ve spent many an hour beating myself up about that possibly being the cause, but everything I’ve read suggests birth trauma has no impact so 🤷🏻‍♀️

Sorry if the title is badly worded. What I meant was, the 'cause' of ASD seems to be so debated - genetic, environmental etc that I wanted to hear the opinions and experiences of those on the spectrum or those with DC / family members on the spectrum. We know what 'causes' some variations like Down Syndrome for instance, so I was just looking for discussion after having some interesting chats with friends. I really haven't meant to cause anyone offence and I'm sorry if I have done so.

Does no one else think all the ‘my FIL defs has it i can see traits’ or the ‘my husband has it but undiagnosed’ or ‘I think I have it too but more mildly’ etc theories are out of hand? When does personality traits in someone become undiagnosed autism?? I’m not saying there’s not undiagnosed cases in older people but I feel like the constant and nearly flippant comments dilutes how serious and debilitating it is for those who are diagnosed and can’t live normally

Do you get this angry about eye colour or height? No.

Does anyone asked what ‘caused’ eye colour? No.

@StopStartStop I think you are insulted by the question, which you’re of course entitled to be, however I don’t think there is any malicious intention behind the question, it’s not being asked to cause insult or injury.

You can see just from this post that there is a lot of confusion around the genesis of autism and some unintentional clumsy phrasing.

Having the conversations in the genuine way it is here I think is helpful and can dispel a lot of fear and myths.

If it’s distressing for you I’d encourage you to protect your mental wellness and strp
away but if you can be here your voice is heard and respected (by me any way).

9lb 12oz!!! DC was very stuck and unfortunately we do think may have been starved of some oxygen because of this 😪.

Well it’s frustrating isn’t it?

Autism is Intelligent
in some individuals they have a severe learning disability - some talk some can’t

Where is the line? Well there isn’t one - I don’t think the profession even knows!

I mean then they say it’s a spectrum

I think genetic. Ds has asd, what used to be called Asperger's kind. My sister has learning difficulties but she is also so clearly autistic too, when she was diagnosed early 90's my mum was just told it was 'global development delay'
Adhd in the family and I highly suspect I am autistic too.

What is that saying about its genes plus response to environmental factors. Both equate to autism, one only won’t. ‘Genes load the gun, environmental factors pull the trigger

Isnt this referred to as epigenetics? Fascinating subject.
The other thing I would like to know is, just because something is seen through the generations - does that automatically mean it must be genetic or is it a learned trait? I guess what I am trying to say is that correlation doesn’t always equal causation.

I know with ADHD it’s linked to dopamine regulation. I know someone who has ADHD that swears childhood trauma caused it (and read some fascinating insights in a book called ‘Focus’ by Johan Hari)
But there will be many, many other cases that were caused by genes.

Why not take your patronising attitude (and your false assumptions) and apply the same to your own life?

I think it's natural to question circumstances around pregnancy and birth. One of my asc children didn't have a great birth with meconium in the waters and intervention, the other had a great birth (at home). Both autistic, so genetics here. Also myself and dad are diagnosed so....😂

Definitely genetics in my family.

Its from my moms side, she has autism/dyslexia, undiagnosed (she's in her 70s) but its fkin obvious. She has 3 siblings, and of all the cousins, we ALL have some level of neurodivergence or MH issues.. epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, tics, hypermobility, autism, adhd, dyspraxia, dyslexia..etc.

My kids have a double whammy as i have AuDHD, and i firmly believe my ExH is also Autistic.

So far my son is diagnosed AuDHD/dyspraxia and my daughter is very much showing signs of ADHD.

Does no one else think all the ‘my FIL defs has it i can see traits’ or the ‘my husband has it but undiagnosed’ or ‘I think I have it too but more mildly’ etc theories are out of hand? When does personality traits in someone become undiagnosed autism?? I’m not saying there’s not undiagnosed cases in older people but I feel like the constant and nearly flippant comments dilutes how serious and debilitating it is for those who are diagnosed and can’t live normally

No. Because when I say I’m sure my father is and possibly my brother, it’s because they do struggle in certain areas of their lives. They don’t live completely ‘normally’. They’re just good at masking to the outside world or sometimes people do think they do ‘odd things’. That has come at a price for them though, the stress of masking has had a huge impact. They’ve made unusual life choices, isolated themselves, can’t keep jobs for long...so many things. But they’re not diagnosed. Only clueless people make comments like yours ime.

Genetics- specifically Hyper mobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It's comorbid with ASD/ADHD

Some friends of mine have DC with autism & they & their children are hypermobile too which makes me wonder!

When you hear that it can be environmental, what does that mean exactly ?

I was induced and had painful sweep. But that child is NOT ASD

Said kindly but bluntly: Please get help with this thinking