My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

Most of you know that DS was diagnosed with Autism. That it's "usually" genetic. That's all good for people to tell me their "theories" which actually are mostly based on the American Pediatric Association anyway. Most special ed teachers, people in the field follow their guidelines because they are Dr and they are supposed to know what they are talking about.

Well, I have news for all those people. I was not born in the US. Only DH! I started to do research. In the US, the rate is about 6-7 per 1000 children. Some report go as far as 14 per 1000 (per that's not the norm on most reports). So I looked at MY genetic. Well it's really 1 per 1000 were I was born. So next time I hear it's genetic, I will plaster someone on the wall. Instead of focusing on useless facts to make everyone "shut up" I wish "experts" would look at other things.

For example. While DH was born here. I was not. Could it be something that *I* was exposed AFTER I left Europe? Is that something I ate (cold cuts, processed food, etc..)?

Since children with autism have usually a higher level of heavy metal in their body, could it be from lead in toys?

What if it was a "contaminent"?

What if it was in the formula (like the one in China they recalled)? From BPA in plastic bottles?

I DON'T KNOW....

I have so many questions. I feel so frustrated that I don't find any research done on this.

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

A speaker at a semi recent conference I went to firmly believes autism is a result of a virus that occurs in the 3rd trimester. He too said chalking it up to genetics is the easy way out and extremely aggreviating to hear.

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

I agree, I think there needs to be more research done on other factors other than genetics as well. My son was tested for all metals and he doesnt have anything high in his blood, but I have a feeling I know what might have caused it, but then it will start a debate.

HighHopes, I would LOVE to find out more info on this speaker you saw

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

I understand what you are saying...I really do....but I do feel a LOT points to genetics. Not all. But just look at that family with 6 children on the spectrum. How could there NOT be some genetic link? And families with one child on the spectrum have a higher chance of having a second child as well on the spectrum...so I can understand where people are coming from when they assume its all genetic. Whatever it is, I wish they'd find out!

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

Usually when people say that something is genetic they mean it's hereditary or that you were born with it....

Down Syndrome isnt hereditary (most cases anyway) but it is genetic in origin....

What Im thinking you mean is that it's not enviromental? You werent born here so it couldnt have something to do with the water you drank or the soil your food was grown in...Does that make sense?

Look at breast cancer for example. They have been able to find a breast cancer gene...so that makes some cases of breast cancer genetic...but not all people who get breast cancer have the gene...so then could those cases be enviromental? Additional not everyone who carries the gene developes breast cancer....

Additionally it could be argued that in this country we recognize more children to be on the spectrum while in other countries certain behaviours would be classified as something else? I only say this b/c it has been tossed around to add ADD & ADHD to the spectrum. What do you think that is going to do to the #s of children classified as autistic? It's going to statistically increase isnt it? (That's a question maybe Liza can answer)

I completely understand though where you are coming from. I have my pet peeves too when it comes to my daughter....IE:

It's DOWN Syndrome not DOWN'S Syndrome...

Down Synrome does NOT run in families. Just b/c noone is your family has it doesnt mean you are at a lesser risk...

Down Syndrome IS NOT hereditary like Cystic Fibrosis or SMA and other recessive disorders....

But I understand that most people dont know a hoot about genetics and are only getting their information from the media and the internet. Heck I got one heck of an education the day my daughter was born...and with it came a life long love of cells, chromosomes, and inborn errors of metabolism....

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

I don't think that lay people should give you any speculation about the cause when you tell them that your son has autism. The only time it is okay is when you, as his parent, ask for opinions or if another parent of a child with autism wants to discuss opinions.

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

I have 4 boys- 1 is autistic. I have 2 relatives (both on my side of the family) who are also on the spectrum. For me I believe it's genetic. I also believe there is a trigger for it but what... who knows.

Re: My 2 cents - It's "genetic"!!!! Mini vent!

i do believe that genes play a role in it...

i dont know my background i was adopted, but on my adopted side of the family there are 6 of them who are on the spectrum.

out of the 6 cousin, 4 of them, their parents or grandparents were born and raised in Italy.

i feel genetics play some sort of role, and with time they will figure it out.

i do NOT believe vaccines cause autism, my DS had selective vaccinations, but thats another debate that i dont want to get into.

you are entitled to feel how you feel, like we all are, but we are all on the same team.. our kids are on the spectrum, and we should be helping them and helping others find out what causes it or if it can be cured