Managed to convince myself that my child will have autism. Please give me a slap

[taffywaffy]

Hi all

I am fully aware that having autism is not the worse thing in the world and I don’t mean to offend anyone with this post.

I highly suspect that my mother is autistic (not that she would ever get herself tested). My brother and sister are both on the spectrum (one more severely than the other). I think it runs genetically on my mothers side as I have a cousin who is severely autistic and although I never met my grandad, he sounded like he showed similar traits. My dads side of the family is fine as is my DHs. I do not have the condition although my chances of having it were statistically higher as I’m the youngest.

One of my siblings is very high functioning and leading a normal life. My other sibling needs more help. Some of my earliest memories is of my mother screaming down the phone at social workers as she couldn’t cope with my siblings.

Can anyone advise or give me a virtual slap?

It sounds like you had a difficult childhood. Have you ever had any counselling? Having your own child can bring up a lot of emotions from the past.

Re the autism, in the nicest possible way, I presume you want this child, and will be having it regardless? The good thing is, from your point of view, in the unlikely event your child did have some form of it, you will be quick to spot it. Early assessment and care can make a huge difference.

Anyway, I am sure wiser people will have wiser things to say, but I wish you the best: please don't panic about possibilities.

nothing to worry about. Youre probably one of the best people to understand and get an autistic child the help they need. It isnt a curse

My brother is autistic and I have similar childhood memories of my mum begging for help. If my dad restraining him in public places during yet another meltdown. It was really hard.

Last year , my gorgeous ten year old was diagnosed. I fully 'grieved'. I didn't see it at all. I totally missed it because to me he's just him. Support nowadays for these children is much better. Awareness is better. Teachers, doctors etc they are all more supportive. We have had so much support since my son's diagnosis and one thing that sticks with me is someone saying, 'If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism.' my son presents completely differently to my brother.

You need to relax, your child will be fine whether they are autistic or not. And you are definitely over worrying because there's a high chance they won't have it.

Thanks all!

Made me feel much better. What will be will be.