Is Asberger's Syndrom (I can't spell it) genetic?

Question

We recently did a survey thing to determine if my older son (.almost six years old) has it, and it came back as a "possible".

Recently, though, I've been wondering if my younger son doesn't have it.

When we talk to him, it's like talking to a brick wall. He can't hold eye contact more than about two seconds. He's extremely affectionate and friendly and intelligent, but the eye contact thing is REALLY annoying. He also isn't effected by what is being said to him. Yesterday, he got in a LOT of trouble in preschool, and his response to everything we said or did was to tell us he wanted Taco Bell for dinner.

Other than those situations, he doesn't have many of the classic signs of autism, as he's very social and he doesn't have a major thing for routine.

What is the likelihood of having two kids in the same family have it?

Answer 1

Although we don't know the cause of ASD's, Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDD/NOS, Autism, and Aspergers), we do know through research that the chances of a child with autsim is 1 in 150. Once you have one child with it, it goes up to 1 in 20, and once you have 2, it goes to 1 in 3. I have worked with several families with 2 or 3 children with an ASD. It's always suggested to closely monitor younger siblings for it once you have a child with an ASD. To have it diagnosed, a clinincal psychologist needs to do an evaluation, and will use the DSM-IV to diagnose it. Usually it's suggested to have a speech evaluation done first, and have it at the evaluation.

Answer 2

One of the really annoying things about non-autistic people is this eye contact thing. Is it really all important? Just because an autistic person does not look someone in the eye, does not mean they are not listening or that they don't care. It's just hard for a majority of autistic (aspergers too) people. It can be painful, they may not think it necessary, it may make them uncomfortable or scared, whatever. There could be a reason that they won't look you in the eye, not just that they want to be rude.


Austim is a very wide Spectrum so you never know. Him not being like your other son doesn't mean he couldn't be autistic too. Having him checked out as well is what I would suggest. And even if he doesn't get diagnosed now, it could later become more apparent (assuming he does have it but it is not noticed). Many people go through life without getting a diagnosis, as their autism may not be severe enough, they're families did not care/notice, etc.

As for the genetic thing, no one really knows. There are many parents who have many kids on the spectrum. And some with only one. Whether this is because not all of their kids have been diagnosed or because their autism may be so mild that it goes unnoticed, we can't be sure. I've met quite a few parents with more than one kid ont he spectrum though.
Many peole on the spectrum also have older family members on it too (mom, dad, sisters, aunts, etc.) I myself believe that my uncle had aspergers (he recently passed) and that a few cousins on the same side do too.

Answer 3

My son hasn't been diagnosed with Aspergers or any other form of autism, but he also has a difficult time maintaining eye contact. It is getting better as he gets older, but at that age, asking him to look you in the eye was like asking him to recite the entire US Constitution from memory. Our son has issues with ocular motor skills, and has week eye muscles that make reading, maintaining eye contact, tracking with his eyes so difficult for him. I noticed when he was little he would face me, and look at me for a brief moment, then turn his eyes off to the side (always the same side). We had him tested for OT, and found he had the "eye control" of a 2 year old. He was 6 or 7 at that time. There are some therapies that can be done that really help. I would highly recommend the testing, if it hasn't been done specifically. Your school district should be able to do it, but it may take a while to get it done. You could also check with your doctor or pediatrician. By the way, his vision is great - no need for glasses - just the whole muscle thing. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism. It is not clear yet whether this is genetic or environmentally caused. My brother has Asperger's and has social cue problems (he has other problems also totally unrelated to Aspergers). I would suggest that you get referrals to help with him so that he doesn't isolate himself and learns appropriate behavior and cues.

Autism can occur more than once in a family. My cousin's ex-GF has 3 children with varying degrees of Autism (3 different fathers).

Answer 5

Mandy I am intrigued about your question.Unfortunately I lack the knowledge necessary to answer it.If I knew what this syndrome is that you are conveying I could do the necessary research to determine if it is congential.I am going to read all the answers that have been given so far and then I am going to the University and ask some of my collegues about it.Stay strong and keep the Faith Mandy...

Answer 6

Check out this information packed website, very helpful and very easy to use and understand.

http://www.aspergers.org/index.htm

God bless you and your children. :]