We struggled to have one baby, I never even thought about having another as we were so lucky that IVF worked for us.
When our son was around 2, I started to think about having another baby – assuming we would need to go through IVF again this time paying for it ourself. We had enough savings to do 2 rounds. I was almost 40 so time was against us. For around 2 weeks it was all I could think about. Then I just thought, we are so lucky let’s have a great life as a trio! We didn’t even try to have another.
It got me thinking, this was all before we had our sons diagnosis. He brings us so much joy, but we also have such a hard time with him and days that are so upsetting and frustrating for us and him, if there was a second child, how much harder would that be? What if the second child had a diagnosis too? I really don’t think, in fact, I know I couldn’t cope with 2 autistic children.
I have met many parents at courses I have been at. I have kept in touch with 2, from 2 different courses and we are now our own little support group. One mum has 2 kids, only the oldest is autistic. The other mum has 4 kids, only the youngest is autistic. I have also met another mum where all 3 kids are autistic, but most parents I meet only have one child.
Is there a fear of having another child after an autism diagnosis for your first child?
Super Autism Mum 