Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how people socialize, communicate, and handle daily activities. It’s called a “spectrum” for a reason—symptoms and severity can differ a lot from one person to another. With about 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism in the U.S., families often wonder where it comes from. Experts say genes and the environment both play a role, but genetics seem to make up about 80% of the influence. This, of course, leads to a big question for many parents: Is autism more likely inherited from moms or dads?
Does Autism Come From Mom’s Side?
There’s a lot of curiosity about whether moms are more likely to pass down autism-related genes. Some genes that have been linked to autism, like MTHFR and SHANK3, are found in moms. These genes are important for brain growth and connections between neurons in the brain.
Research also shows that certain genetic mutations in a mother’s eggs can play a role. Women are born with all their eggs, so over time, these eggs can pick up mutations. These changes sometimes lead to a higher risk of autism.
Plus, what happens during pregnancy can add to this risk. Things like infections, poor nutrition, or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy can influence the chances of a child developing autism. That said, none of these guarantees a child will have autism—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
How Much Does Dad Contribute to Autism?
Fathers also bring important factors into the mix, especially when it comes to autism risk. Research has found that dads, especially older ones, are more likely to pass on genetic mutations through sperm. This is because sperm cells are made continuously over a man’s lifetime, which increases the chances for these tiny errors in DNA to happen.
An interesting study found that some children with autism inherit certain genetic patterns more often from their dads. This doesn’t mean dads are “more responsible” than moms—it’s just how inheritance works sometimes. When families ask, What’s linked to paternal factors in autism? the short answer often involves the age of the father and DNA mutations in sperm.
Is There a Clear Answer?
When it comes to autism and genetics, both parents contribute equally. Autism doesn’t come from just one specific source, and there’s no one “autism gene.” Instead, dozens of genes work together, along with random genetic mutations and environmental factors, to influence autism risk. Genes like CHD8, SYNGAP1, and SHANK3 are some of the main players. These genes affect how neurons work, how they talk to each other, and how the brain develops overall.
What’s important to know is this: autism isn’t something either parent is “to blame” for. It’s a mix of inherited genetics, random mutations that can happen naturally, and environmental factors that can sometimes push things in one direction or another.
FAQs About Autism and Genetics
If One Parent Has Autism, What Are the Chances for My Child?
If one parent is on the autism spectrum, the chances their child will also have autism are higher, but it’s not set in stone. Kids with a parent who has autism or siblings on the spectrum face about a 5% to 20% chance of being on the spectrum too. Many families where one parent has ASD have kids who are neurotypical (meaning they’re not on the spectrum).
Can Two Parents with Autism Have a Neurotypical Kid?
Yes! Just because both parents are on the spectrum doesn’t mean every child they have will inherit autism-related traits. Autism isn’t caused by one single gene, so it’s possible for some children to inherit fewer (or none) of the key genetic factors.
What Gene Causes Autism?
There isn’t just one gene that causes autism. Genes like SHANK3, CHD8, and others are known to increase risk, but autism develops from a combination of genetic changes.
What Chromosome Is Related to Autism?
Scientists can’t point to one chromosome that “causes” autism, but variations on chromosomes like 2, 7, and 16 have been tied to the condition. These differences can affect how brain cells connect and function.
Can Parents Without Autism Have a Child With Autism?
Yes. Parents who have no signs of autism can have a child on the spectrum. This is often due to random genetic mutations that happen during conception or early development.
Is Autism Dominant or Recessive?
It’s actually neither. Autism doesn’t follow simple genetic patterns like those for eye color. It’s polygenic, meaning many genes work together to influence its development.
Does Autism Come From Only Genetics?
Not entirely. While genes play a huge role, environmental factors like maternal health, exposure to toxins, or complications during birth can interact with genetic risk to influence whether a child develops autism.
Autism Genetics: A Puzzle We Solve Together
At the end of the day, asking, who carries autism, the mom or the dad? doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Autism isn’t about one parent or one specific gene. It comes from a mix of inherited genes, random mutations, and environmental experiences. Every family’s experience is unique.
Personally, understanding the science behind autism helps me see that it’s not about assigning blame—whether to ourselves or others. If you’re a parent with questions, consider checking out genetic testing or consulting a counselor. And remember, early intervention and support can make a world of difference in helping children thrive. Every child’s story is special, and with the right tools, we can help them unlock their full potential.