If my child is autistic, does that mean I am too?
While a child’s diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean you are autistic, there is a very strong genetic link between parents and children. Research shows that autism is highly heritable, meaning the traits often run in families. It is very common for a parent to recognize their own lifelong habits, sensory "quirks," or social struggles for the first time while watching their child go through the neurodivergent screening process.
Think of it like a mirror you didn't know you were looking into. Many parents spend years thinking they are just "particular," "introverted," or "high-strung," only to realize those traits have a name once they see them described in their child’s medical report. You might find yourself nodding along to the doctor’s questions about light sensitivity or a need for routine, realizing that your "normal" was actually a form of masking. This "generational discovery" is one of the most common ways adults in the UK are finding their way to a diagnosis today.
If seeing your child's journey is starting to answer questions about your own past, you aren't alone. To explore what it’s like to navigate this late discovery, sign up for the free Life on Hard Mode newsletter below.