Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek
That brings up another point. As a person with AS why would you even consider bringing a child into the world? There is a genetic disposition especially connected to the father.
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I'm curious about your source for that ladygreek. Not that I'm challenging you -- it just is more specific than anything I've seen. I know it seems clear that there are genetic components to AS, and I know that AS is more commonly diagnosed in males. But I haven't seen any research specifically linking AS to the father's side genetically.
I will agree with RM, though -- I think the question is out of line. People risk passing along genetic predispositions all the time -- why suggest that men with AS shouldn't even "consider" having kids? It's not like AS is a terminal illness or debilitating birth defect. As the father of an Asperger's kid, I can assure you that I think the world is better off because he's in it, and had we known before he was born that he would have AS, it wouldn't have made any difference, except that we would have learned more about it sooner. Yes, he faces some challenges that most other kids don't have to deal with, but he brings some wonderful gifts and perspectives that most other kids don't as well.
Perhaps someone with AS would consider bring a child into the world because they know that it's not the end of the world to have AS. Besides, dad will know how it feels and can help the kid learn what he needs to know.
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