Can an Autistic Person Have a Non Autistic Child?

Understanding the genetics of autism

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: yes, an autistic person absolutely can have a non-autistic child. But like many things involving genetics and neurodevelopment, it’s... not black and white.

Autism is highly heritable, meaning that genes play a significant role. However, the condition itself isn’t tied to one single “autism gene” — it’s polygenic, involving a mix of genes (some known, many still being researched), plus environmental factors that science is still trying to pin down.

So, if an autistic parent has children, the likelihood of the child being on the spectrum is increased, but not guaranteed. Similarly, two neurotypical parents can also have an autistic child. Yep, that happens too.

How likely is it that a child of an autistic parent is also autistic?

Stats and probabilities (but not certainties)

According to several studies, the risk that a child develops autism if a parent is on the spectrum ranges between 20% to 30%. That’s higher than the general population risk (which hovers around 1-2%), but it also means there’s a solid chance — 70% or more — that the child will not be autistic.

And even then, there’s variation:

• Some children might have certain autistic traits but not meet diagnostic criteria

• Others might be neurotypical in every practical sense

So... yeah, genetics load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger (as they say).

Family history matters

If autism is present on both sides of the family, the odds might climb. That’s true for a lot of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. It's not deterministic, but it definitely tips the scale.

Can neurodiverse parents raise neurotypical kids?

Absolutely — and they often do an amazing job at it. In fact, many neurodivergent parents report being more empathetic, observant, and accepting of difference, which can be a real plus for kids navigating today’s (let’s be honest, pretty judgmental) world.

Of course, parenting is hard. For everyone. But being autistic doesn’t make someone less capable of being a good parent. It just means they might have different needs, routines, or challenges.

And sometimes, the child ends up being the one who doesn’t understand why their parent finds loud birthday parties exhausting. That’s just part of growing up in any family, right? Everyone’s got their “thing.”

Does autism always show the same way in families?

Nope — and that’s super important. Autism isn’t a single condition with one clear presentation. It’s a spectrum, remember?

One autistic person might struggle with social interactions but excel at structured problem-solving. Another might be highly verbal but extremely sensitive to sound or texture. A parent and child can both be autistic, but in very different ways, or even be so different that it’s not obvious they share a diagnosis at all.

So even when autism “runs in the family,” it doesn’t necessarily look like a carbon copy.

What about guilt, fear, or uncertainty?

Let’s be real — some autistic people worry about passing on challenges to their kids. That’s human. But here's the thing: all parents pass something on. Genes, habits, fears, quirks... none of us are perfect.

Autism isn’t a curse. It’s a way of being in the world. Some parts are tough, sure — especially in a world not built for neurodivergent people. But many autistic folks live full, joyful, meaningful lives, with deep relationships and families they love fiercely.

And if a child does end up being autistic? At least they’ll have a parent who truly gets it.

Bottom line: Yes, an autistic person can have a non-autistic child — and vice versa. Genetics play a role, but they don’t write the whole story. And honestly, in most cases? Families figure it out together. One day at a time.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.