Did Anyone Hear the News?

I have never heard that nor did any of my doctors say anything to me Im 30 and my husband is 49 and we have 2 kids. That is interesting though, would definitly do research on that one.

I worked with autistic kids and never new a father that was 40 or over when the child was conceived. Also, my nephew is autistic - his parents were both right out of highschool when he was born.

My husband is in his forties and we have a beautiful, healthy little boy. We plan to have more, too :).

I agree with Natalie. My 12 year old is autistic, I was 25 and wife was 26. If you fret over all the COULD happen (I reference the RugRats Mom's magazine "Fretful Mother"), then you will never want one!

I heard the same news report. It was conducted in Israel. There could have been other factors that also contributed to the outcome. I have also heard people are concerned that the MMR vaccine could contribute to autism. I say, if you want a baby, go ahead and try. Not all children that are autistic have older fathers. They really don't know what causes it, so don't let this uncertainty cause you to change your life plans!

I don't know how, but I really believe vitamins B6 and E contribute to conception. I was taking those when I got pregnant, after trying for 4 years to get pregnant. I was on them about 6 weeks, and it happened. Coincidence? I don't know, but, I'd certainly start taking them again, if I were planning on trying for one more.

I wouldn't worry so much about autism, based on my husband's age. My grandfather and grandmother gave birth to my uncle, he is fine, and he was in his late 50's.

These studies are not conclusive evidence. For example, this same study indicated that the age of the mother has nothing to do with autism, contradicting years of evidence that says the risk of autism goes up for women at age 35. The study on men was a small sample group and the researchers themselves said they would have to repeat the study on a larger sample to see if their results could be replicated.

My answer: You shouldn't live in fear and especially don't let fear guide your decisions. If you and your husband are reasonably healthy, then I think it is wonderful that you want to have a family. Pray and ask God to bless you in this attempt and no matter what - you are going to love your child just as fiercely if he is another Einstein or if he has a disibility. I have three children, the most recent at age 34, and my husband and I worried and feared and imagined the worst, but we were blessed with three healthy children. I pray that God will bless you as well.

My sister has an autistic child - this is a genetic. Please don't believe every thing you here on the news. It will drive you crazy and then you will never want to have a child.

R.,

I have heard about the study. The cause or reason for autism is unknown. They don't know why or how. But of course if they find any repitition they are going to announce it. It doesn't mean that the father's age caused it. It sounded more like it was just a speculation. My daughter who is six does not have autism and her father was in his late 30's. My son has been diagnosed on the autism scale and his father (different dads) was in his mid twenties. If you want a child then I would encourage you to try. Children are a wonderful blessing. If you find that you cannot be comforted and are still worried talk to your husband about it and your ob. If still not convinced you might want to think about adoption.

R. - it said "increased risk". That translated to 34 out of 100,000 births. We still don't know why this condition occurs. They are dangers in everything. Just do your best, take your prenatal vitamins and eat right. Good Luck with getting pregnant soon.