If you spent an afternoon with my family, you’d see it—autism woven into the fabric of our lives like a stubborn thread. My uncle with the encyclopedic knowledge of vintage cars but a total inability to make small talk. My grandmother, who baked the same cake every Saturday for 40 years because routine was her religion. My dad, who will argue for hours about the merits of vinyl records while pacing in a perfect circle around the living room.
Autism is everywhere in my family, but we didn’t have a name for it until I was diagnosed at 27. It felt like someone handed me a flashlight in the dark, and suddenly, I could see everything clearly.
The Genetics of Autism: What We Know
Science says autism has a strong genetic component. According to the National Institute of Health, there are dozens of genes linked to autism, though no single “autism gene” exists. It’s a complex cocktail of DNA and environmental factors, with each family’s mix looking a little different.
In my case, the genetic breadcrumbs are impossible to ignore. My mom has always been hyper-organized to the point of obsession. (She once labeled every shelf in the pantry, including the one that just held napkins.) My dad, while charming and funny, has a tendency to ramble about niche topics that no one else understands. And me? Well, I’ve always been the quiet one in the corner, more comfortable with books than people.
But it’s not just my immediate family. Looking further back, my great-grandmother had “quirks,” as the family called them. She hated hugs, preferred knitting to conversation, and always sat by herself at family gatherings. “She’s just set in her ways,” people said. Now, I wonder if she was masking before masking even had a name.
A Family Reunion of Neurodivergence
A few years ago, at a family reunion, I had what I call an “autism epiphany.” Picture this: 20 relatives crammed into my cousin’s backyard, the air thick with barbecue smoke and awkward conversations.
I sat at the picnic table, watching my uncle meticulously assemble his burger with the precision of a surgeon. Across from me, my dad was pacing, gesturing wildly as he explained the history of the turntable to an unimpressed teenager. My cousin was rocking slightly in his chair, staring at the grass like it held the secrets of the universe.
It hit me like a freight train: We’re all autistic. We just didn’t know it.
The Myths of Autism and Genetics
One thing I’ve learned since my diagnosis is that people love to blame autism on something—anything. Vaccines, diet, screen time, even bad parenting. (Spoiler: none of these cause autism.)
The reality is much less scandalous and much more complicated. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors might act as a trigger for some individuals. For example, maternal health during pregnancy and certain prenatal exposures could influence development, but they don’t cause autism outright.
If you’re curious about the science, the CDC has an excellent breakdown of autism risk factors.
What It Means to Inherit Autism
For me, knowing that my autism is genetic is oddly comforting. It’s not a fluke or a mistake—it’s part of who I am, passed down through generations of quirky, brilliant, misunderstood ancestors.
But it also comes with challenges. Autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, even within the same family. My dad’s love for long-winded lectures feels nothing like my need for quiet and solitude. My cousin’s ability to memorize every episode of Star Trek doesn’t help me explain why I struggle with verbal instructions.
The common thread is this: we’re all figuring it out as we go, leaning on each other in our own neurodivergent way.
Visual Snapshot
Right now, I’m sitting at my dad’s kitchen table. The walls are painted a faded mustard yellow, and the table is cluttered with old newspapers, a half-finished crossword puzzle, and my dad’s record player, which he insists belongs on the table because it’s “the heart of the house.”
The air smells faintly of coffee and sawdust, and the windows are streaked with rain. My dad is in the next room, humming to himself as he alphabetizes his vinyl collection. Every so often, I hear him mutter, “Where’s Bowie? I know I put Bowie here.”
FAQ
Q: Is autism purely genetic?
A: Not entirely. Genetics play a significant role, but environmental factors may also contribute. For more information, check out this article from Harvard Health.
Q: If autism runs in families, why are some people diagnosed and others aren’t?
A: Autism can present differently in each person, even within the same family. Some people mask their traits so well that they’re never diagnosed, while others are more visibly neurodivergent.
Q: How do I know if autism runs in my family?
A: Look for patterns of behavior—sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and niche interests are common signs. A genetic counselor can also help you explore this further.
Final Thoughts
Autism isn’t just something I have; it’s something I’ve inherited—a legacy of uniqueness, resilience, and, yes, a little chaos. It’s written in my DNA, etched into my family tree, and reflected in the quirks and strengths of the people I love most.
So if you’re wondering whether autism runs in your family, take a closer look. You might just find that the signs were there all along, waiting to be seen. And if your family tree looks like a neurodivergent forest, welcome to the club. It’s a weird, wonderful place to be.
