Moms, are YOU on the spectrum?

[Snu]

Over the years, since my 9 1/2 year old daughter was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, I have wondered if I'm on the spectrum.  Since it seems autism is genetic, it's an obvious question, so that got me wondering:  how many moms think they might be on the spectrum and WHY do you think that?  (Some of you might even have a formal dx..)

     This is why I wonder:  Since I had excellent speech (nicknamed "The Mouth", annoying my 5 sibs and parents), that probably would indicate Asperger's.  However, I was always the ringleader as a child, organizing the games, telling who would be the mommy, daddy, etc., when playing house.. very UN-Asperger's...  BUT, I have had a real problem as a child and really throughout my 20's, even, with not filtering what I say: I have offended people, been accused of being blunt, etc., and really haven't gotten a handle on it until the past ten years or so.  My theory is, having children forced me to be more social, and that gave me lots of opportunities to "practice" being social, and I've gotten better at it. 

     I should add, too, that although I'm not sure why, in the past I tended to isolate myself.  All through law school, I was alone, talking to the person who sat next to me, but that's it:  I never joined study groups, being content to be on my own, never socialized with people.  Was I simply avoiding what I knew I wasn't good at?  I don't know. 

     Any thoughts?  How about you?

[Donna5150]

Sep. 13, 2007 at 8:57 AM

I just see black lines?

 

Donna 

[cre8tif]

Sep. 13, 2007 at 1:50 PM

 Just highlight the black lines and you will be able to read this post.

Being German I am blunt myself and I like your bluntness. Not being as social as others does not necessarily mean being on the spectrum. But of course there could be a possibility. Has there been any research done on this subject ?

Renate

[Swagner713]

Jan. 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM

I was actually watching a video that had a segment "Moms and kids with autism" and they had interviews with 3 or 4 moms that have autism and their kids have it too.  They were very high functioning, some had been diagnosed earlier and some discovered it after their kids were diagnosed.  I think it was called "normal people scare me" or something like that. It was very insightful and done by a teenager with autism. 

Back to your original question - I don't think I have autism.  I do prefer being alone a lot, but that's about it.  My husband's brother does have Aspergers though.  He was diagnosed as an adult.  I have seen a lot of other families that have strong tendencies for it.

[mom2superkid]

Mar. 23, 2008 at 10:23 PM

Yes!  I was reading at 4 and have always been very verbal.  However, I've always had trouble making friends, because I am very truthful (a.k.a blunt).  I have my DH and I am content with just having him as a friend. 

I also hated group projects in college and found that I struggled when forced to work in groups.  My DH has a lot of the same tendencies. 

 I have no doubt that my son's autism is a genetic issues.  He has presented symptoms from birth and his parents could easily be on the spectrum.  I've grown to enjoy/embrace my nerdiness. 

[Kerryt]

May. 9, 2008 at 9:40 AM

I totally agree. My 12 year old is PDD-NOS, they say I am B-Polar and my 10 year old just got diagnosed with Bi-Polar. I believe I am PDD-NOS because of my memories of childhood. I see so much of myself in my 12 year old.

I have not tried to be more social it is too stressful. I do go to some occasions but I am always a nervous wreck.

I am amazed when I read through the posts how many families have multiple diagnosis. It screams validity to me.

[homeschoolin432]

Oct. 14, 2008 at 10:36 AM

I have been always very quiet, and can be anxious.  I remember all my Barbies and toys were chewed up from me constantly chewing them, as well as my shirts.  I also had to always curl my toes in my shoes because it felt more comfortable.  I have wondered if I was on the spectrum myself.  I loved dogs, and knew all the breeds names, and characteristics of them at a very young age.  I had many dog books, and watched anything that had a dog in it.   Another thing was I sat on my parent's bed and would slowly pull out the threads on their bedspread.  It was a chanille(sp?) one.  I never had many friends as a child, and still have trouble connecting to people.