Autism

My partner has an autistic child from a previous relationship. I we would like to have a child together but i am worried that we may also have an autistic child. Are we at a higher risk than other couples? Is there any way of testing?

[Jason C Bourret, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

There is no method for testing for this and there is some evidence that siblings of children with autism are also more likely to have autism. Because we don’t know the particular genetic or epigenetic factors responsible, it is just impossible to predict precisely ahead of time. The best advice that I can give you is to discuss it with your partner with the understanding that having a child with autism is a real possibility.