Myth: “If neither parent has autism, my child can’t have autism.”

Fact: A child can have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) even if neither parent is autistic.

Many Filipino parents feel surprised after their child’s diagnosis because no one in the family has autism. The good news is that this is not unusual and does not mean anyone is to blame.

Parent Snapshot

✅ A child can have autism even without autistic parents.

✅ Autism is influenced by many genes, not just one.

✅ Some genetic changes happen naturally and are not inherited.

✅ Early support matters much more than finding someone to blame.

So, how is this possible?

Researchers have found that autism has a strong genetic component, but genetics is much more complex than simply inheriting a condition from a parent.

Several things may happen:

• A parent may carry genetic traits linked to autism without being autistic themselves.
• Multiple small genetic changes from both parents may combine in a child.
• New genetic changes (called de novo variants) can occur during conception, even when there is no family history.

This explains why autism can appear in one child while siblings or parents do not have ASD.

Does autism skip generations?

Not exactly.

Unlike some inherited conditions, autism usually does not follow a simple inheritance pattern.

Instead, researchers believe autism results from a combination of:

• Genetics
• Brain development before birth
• Environmental influences that affect early development (not parenting)

This means autism may appear in families with no previous diagnosis.

What about the parents?

Many parents ask:

“Did I do something wrong during pregnancy?”

Current scientific evidence says no.

Autism is not caused by:

• Bad parenting
• Lack of love or attention
• Vaccines
• A child watching too much television

Parents should focus their energy on understanding their child’s strengths and getting support early rather than feeling guilty.

What should Filipino parents do if they notice signs?

Whether or not autism runs in your family, don’t wait for a family history before seeking help.

Watch for signs such as:

• Limited eye contact
• Delayed speech or language
• Repetitive movements
• Difficulty with social interaction
• Strong reactions to sounds, textures, or changes in routine

If these signs continue, speak with your child’s pediatrician and ask about a developmental assessment. In the Philippines, early intervention services and SPED programs can make a meaningful difference when started as early as possible.

Things to remember: A diagnosis is not a prediction of your child’s future. Every autistic child has unique strengths, challenges, and potential to learn.

The bottom line

Having parents who are not autistic does not rule out autism. Most experts believe autism develops through a complex mix of genetics and early brain development rather than a single inherited gene.

The most important step isn’t figuring out where autism came from—it’s recognizing developmental differences early and helping your child access the support they need to thrive.

If you’re looking for practical advice and encouragement from other Filipino families, you may also find support in this community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ausometherapy