A new study published today in the journal “Pediatrics” confirmed that the risks of having an autistic child go up to 19% if parents already have a child with autism. Until now, parents of autistic children thought it they only had a 3%-10% chance to have another child with the condition. This new study was based on 644 infants from Canada and the US and the results may be related to the bigger sample size and a wider definition of autism. This new data is bound to worry parents of autistic children who plan to have a second or third child as the numbers go way up (32%) if there is more than one autistic child in the family. Specialists are trying to reassure parents by reminding them that statistics vary from family to family and that only 15% of autism is related to a specific genetic mutation. How will this new study affect the families of autistic children? If you have an autistic child, does this new information change your plans to have additional children?
New autism study
Parents, children and siblings with autism attend a Autism Family Camp Weekend in Alabama.
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Camp ASCCA/Flickr (cc by-nc-nd)
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New autism study
A new study published today in the journal “Pediatrics” confirmed that the risks of having an autistic child go up to 19% if parents already have a child with autism. Until now, parents of autistic children thought it they only had a 3%-10% chance to have another child with the condition. This new study was based on 644 infants from Canada and the US and the results may be related to the bigger sample size and a wider definition of autism. This new data is bound to worry parents of autistic children who plan to have a second or third child as the numbers go way up (32%) if there is more than one autistic child in the family. Specialists are trying to reassure parents by reminding them that statistics vary from family to family and that only 15% of autism is related to a specific genetic mutation. How will this new study affect the families of autistic children? If you have an autistic child, does this new information change your plans to have additional children?