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Question: My son has high functioning autism, what are the chances for my daughter not having a disability?

(Posted by: Kayleigh on 2009-06-08 12:37:09)

The reason im asking is that my daughter is 10 months old and she is not even close to sitting up. She is also not eating any foods with the tiniest lumps in. I have been in touch with my health visitor and she doesn't seem too worried at the moment. i just want peace of mind, if any one has suggestions please tell me. Thanks

Posted by: Dave on 2009-06-09, 10:19:35

The chances of your daughter NOT having an Autism Spectrum Disorder are very high. First, boys are 4 times more likely to have an ASD than girls. Second, yes there is an increased likelihood of having a second child with autism if you have a first child with autism, but the increase is pretty small. The sitting and food issues are seen in ASD kids but can also be seen in kids who don't have ASD. So these two occurrences don't necessarily indicate a problem. I wouldn't be too concerned right now and it is too early to really be able to make any diagnosis of autism. However, there are programs for at-risk infants that might able to address some of the concerns you mentioned with your daughter and maybe reduce impact if she does encounter developmental problems later.

Posted by: ohh lala on 2009-06-08, 12:42:26

Hi emm you should really go to ganetic screening thay will tell you what percentage chance your next child will have with a disability

Posted by: gabrielle732 on 2009-06-08, 12:44:29

It depends on the genetics that you and your children's other parent have. If you and the other parent both have the gene for high functioning autism, then there's a higher chance for your daughter, and any other children that you may have, will have autism. I'm not an expert on this at all though, so if I were you I'd see a genetic counselor & they'll be able to tell you the exact numbers.

Posted by: Sophie B on 2009-06-08, 12:46:14

50-50.. either will have one or not... and her brother has nothing to do with it.... they both came from the same gene pool, but don't necesarily have the same genes,,,,

Posted by: swmlynn on 2009-06-08, 12:47:14

Hey kayleigh! umm idk if its a disability, but some kids just learn later. i learned to sit when i was 14 months! lol and walk when i was 17months! lol. and about the food, its just that some kids are picky. my cousin is 1 and he doesnt eat anything that is green lol. hope this helped!

Posted by: lisa on 2009-06-09, 06:07:47

Hi I have two children with autism and other disabilities, my other child has adhd. I think you are doing right to talk to your health visitor, who will monitor your daughter I dont think you should worry yet, just see how it goes. Worrying about it isn't going to help and she is probably fine. Please just enjoy her. I understand how difficult it can be raising a child with autism and understand that thee seems to be always something to worry about. I hope everything works out ok for you.