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Autism/whats the %
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Question
whats the % of me having a child that has autism if my 9 yaer old brother has it?
Hello, Emma!
Unfortunately the studies on this one aren't completed yet. The jury is still out as to just what causes autism, although there are strong evidences that there is a genetic predisposition. What this simply means is 'No one really knows'.
If you are genuinely afraid that your child would be born autistic, then one option may be to consider adoption. While the child is not your flesh and blood in this way, there is less fear about the genetic possibility. And there is more chance to give a child in need of a loving home, that loving home they need.
I'm sorry I couldn't give you good, hard numbers on this one. If I manage to find them later, I will toss a follow-up for you!
Trey
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Answers by Expert:
Trey McGowan
Expertise
My primary expertise is in the area of the social, psychological, and mental development of Aspergers Syndrome and other high-functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders. I am also very knowledgeable in the communication disorders and common co-existing issues. I'm well-read on most of these as well as having experienced it myself. Other aspects of autism, I can do fairly well at as well, from the oversensitivity to the recognition of it. Warning: I am *not* a medical professional, and while I can research answers through books and online, I can not give direct medical expertise.
Experience
I am 19 years diagnosed Asperger's Autistic, and have been reading up and studying it, as well as taking 'first hand accounts' for most of those 14 years. In addition, I have had three children, adopted elsewhere, all of whom are varying degrees of autistic from mid to high functioning. My mother has done some research on the subject as well, and passed some of it on to me.
Education/Credentials
I have completed grade school and most of high school, and achieved a GED. I've also received home schooling.
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