Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It Means If a Diagnosis Runs in FamiliesMy Child (Or Another Relative) Was Diagnosed With AutismSupport For Autistic Family Members

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What It Means If a Diagnosis Runs in Families

My Child (Or Another Relative) Was Diagnosed With Autism

Support For Autistic Family Members

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Language note: Although individual preferences exist, surveys of the autistic community consistently show that autistic people preferidentity-first languagerather than person-first language (i.e., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”). This article reflects that community language preference.

Our DNA is extremely complex, and we do not fully understand what causes traits to be inherited or skipped. However, research has shown that there is a genetic component to autism, meaning that autistic people are highly likely to be related to other autistic people. In fact, there is evidence that autism is “one of the mosthighly heritabledisorders with negligible shared environmental contributions.”

In other words, yes,autismruns in families.

At the present time, we do not know which specific genes or combination of genes determine whether or not someone will be autistic or which genetic contributions contribute to someone’slevel of support needs. Researchers have uncovered some recessive traits and mutations that contribute to whether or not someone will be autistic.

At a GlanceThe evidence indicates that autism is heritable, which means it tends to run in families. However, experts are not quite clear yet on which specific gene or gene combos play a role. It’s important to remember that genetics are complex and that these factors also interact with environmental variables. If have a family member who has been diagnosed with autism, you might want to consider being evaluated. Being diagnosed can help you better understand your neurodivergent traits and ensure that you get the support you need to thrive in your environment.

At a Glance

The evidence indicates that autism is heritable, which means it tends to run in families. However, experts are not quite clear yet on which specific gene or gene combos play a role. It’s important to remember that genetics are complex and that these factors also interact with environmental variables. If have a family member who has been diagnosed with autism, you might want to consider being evaluated. Being diagnosed can help you better understand your neurodivergent traits and ensure that you get the support you need to thrive in your environment.

Human beings are made up of DNA, which we inherit from our parents. This is why people might look similar to their parents or other family members, have health risks based on family history, or even have mannerisms or behaviors that are similar to family members. If a trait is passed down genetically through families, the trait isgenetic.

Many mental health diagnoses have a genetic component, though the specific symptoms and manifestations of the diagnosis will vary for each individual due to environmental factors.

When people in your family have a trait or diagnosis, you are more likely to have that diagnosis compared to someone who does not have a family member with that diagnosis. Additionally, the likelihood that you will have a diagnosis increases based on how closely you are related to that family member. For example, you are more likely to share a diagnosis with a parent than with an aunt, uncle, or grandparent, since you share more genetics with your parents than with these extended family members.

If one parent has a diagnosis, this is not a guarantee that their children will also meet the criteria for the diagnosis. Genetics are complicated, and environmental factors influence how our genes manifest. When an individual’s gene presentation changes as a result of their environment, this is known asepigenetics.

How Heritable Is Autism?Research indicates that approximately 80% of autism cases are connected directly to inherited genetic mutations. Other cases are mostly likely linked to non-inherited mutations.

How Heritable Is Autism?

Research indicates that approximately 80% of autism cases are connected directly to inherited genetic mutations. Other cases are mostly likely linked to non-inherited mutations.

How Awareness of Epigenetics and Generational Trauma Can Inform Therapy

Most people do not understandwhat autism isor the various ways an autistic person can look. Because of this, many people are surprised to learn that someone close to them has been diagnosed with autism. You might feel confused, and you might find yourself thinking, “How can that be an autistic trait? Everyone does that!”

It might help to consider that others in your family are alsoautistic.

Should My Other Children Be Evaluated?

If an extended family member is diagnosed with autism, others in your family may also be autistic. It is not certain that your child will also be autistic.

Still, if you notice that they exhibit sensory issues, struggle to communicate in aneurotypicalway, or have a strong need to follow specific routines and rituals, they might benefit from being evaluated.

If your child is autistic and is struggling in school, they can qualify for anIndividual Education Planor 504 plan to support them in the classroom. IEPs can include the following:

Autistic children who struggle with emotion regulation can benefit from understanding theirneurotype. This can help them recognize what needs they are communicating with different behaviors and get those needs met in a healthy way. Parents can connect with the autistic community to better understand their child and support them appropriately.

Caregiving For Someone With Autism

Should I Be Evaluated?

If your child (or another family member) is diagnosed with autism, it is possible that you are autistic as well. Many autistic people are not diagnosed in childhood and realize that they are autistic as adults. Additionally, some aremisdiagnosedwith disorders that have similar symptoms to autism, such as certain anxiety disorders.

If you notice that you exhibit traits similar to those of an autistic relative, or your autistic child displays behaviors that remind you of your own childhood, you might be autistic as well. If you feel that a formal assessment would help you, you can seek out apsychological evaluation.

Diagnostic Criteria for Autism

Who Can Diagnose Autism in Adults?

If you and/or a family member are autistic, you are existing and functioning in a world that was not created with your needs in mind. This can create challenges likesensory overloador miscommunication when held to neurotypical standards.

The more we understand the different ways that autism can present, the better autistic people can understand and share their experiences. This knowledge can help autistic people request and receive appropriate support.

Takeaways

Research suggests that autism is hereditary and that it runs in families. However, environmental factors, such as maternal infections and prenatal exposure to valproic acid, can also play a role. If someone in your family has been diagnosed, you might want to consider getting yourself or your children evaluated if they exhibit autistic traits. Diagnosis can help you better understand your neurotype and ensure that you have the right support and accommodations.

What To Know About Diagnosing Autism In Adults

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thapar A, Rutter M.Genetic advances in autism.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4321-4332. doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04685-zTaylor, B.J., Hasler, B.P.Chronotype and Mental Health: Recent Advances.Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 59 (2018). doi:10.1007/s11920-018-0925-8Dubois M, Guaspare C.From cellular memory to the memory of trauma: Social epigenetics and its public circulation.Social Science Information. 2020;59(1):144-183. doi:10.1177/0539018419897600Ruzzo EK, Pérez-Cano L, Jung JY, et al.Inherited and de novo genetic risk for autism impacts shared networks.Cell. 2019;178(4):850-866.e26. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.015Zaboski BA, Storch EA.Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders: A brief review.Future Neurol. 2018;13(1):31-37. doi:10.2217/fnl-2017-0030Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed., Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2022. DSM-V-TR.

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Thapar A, Rutter M.Genetic advances in autism.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4321-4332. doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04685-zTaylor, B.J., Hasler, B.P.Chronotype and Mental Health: Recent Advances.Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 59 (2018). doi:10.1007/s11920-018-0925-8Dubois M, Guaspare C.From cellular memory to the memory of trauma: Social epigenetics and its public circulation.Social Science Information. 2020;59(1):144-183. doi:10.1177/0539018419897600Ruzzo EK, Pérez-Cano L, Jung JY, et al.Inherited and de novo genetic risk for autism impacts shared networks.Cell. 2019;178(4):850-866.e26. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.015Zaboski BA, Storch EA.Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders: A brief review.Future Neurol. 2018;13(1):31-37. doi:10.2217/fnl-2017-0030Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed., Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2022. DSM-V-TR.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Thapar A, Rutter M.Genetic advances in autism.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4321-4332. doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04685-zTaylor, B.J., Hasler, B.P.Chronotype and Mental Health: Recent Advances.Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 59 (2018). doi:10.1007/s11920-018-0925-8Dubois M, Guaspare C.From cellular memory to the memory of trauma: Social epigenetics and its public circulation.Social Science Information. 2020;59(1):144-183. doi:10.1177/0539018419897600Ruzzo EK, Pérez-Cano L, Jung JY, et al.Inherited and de novo genetic risk for autism impacts shared networks.Cell. 2019;178(4):850-866.e26. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.015Zaboski BA, Storch EA.Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders: A brief review.Future Neurol. 2018;13(1):31-37. doi:10.2217/fnl-2017-0030Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed., Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2022. DSM-V-TR.

Thapar A, Rutter M.Genetic advances in autism.J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51(12):4321-4332. doi:10.1007/s10803-020-04685-z

Taylor, B.J., Hasler, B.P.Chronotype and Mental Health: Recent Advances.Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 59 (2018). doi:10.1007/s11920-018-0925-8

Dubois M, Guaspare C.From cellular memory to the memory of trauma: Social epigenetics and its public circulation.Social Science Information. 2020;59(1):144-183. doi:10.1177/0539018419897600

Ruzzo EK, Pérez-Cano L, Jung JY, et al.Inherited and de novo genetic risk for autism impacts shared networks.Cell. 2019;178(4):850-866.e26. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2019.07.015

Zaboski BA, Storch EA.Comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety disorders: A brief review.Future Neurol. 2018;13(1):31-37. doi:10.2217/fnl-2017-0030

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed., Text Revision, American Psychiatric Association, 2022. DSM-V-TR.

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