I'd like to hear more about your cousins, especially the ones that are brothers. Although I have not worked with families in this situation, I've heard of a set of twins where one twin has autism and the other does not--it's quite the twist.

Although I do find high levels of mercury to be harmful, I'm not fully convinced that thirmerosal is the primary culprit for the cause of autism. There could be multiple factors involved. I believe genetics play a huge role, which is why I'm interested in hearing more about your cousins.

Brandon was born in 1983 and wasn't diagnosed I think until he was about 4. He was really sick as a toddler and didn't speak for years. So once diagnosed, therapy began and he began speaking. He also began his obsession with The Wizard of Oz. I'm sure you know how they like to fixate themselves on one or two things. This is his WHOLE life! His other habbits are (or I guess they call it stemming) drawing in the air or down at the ground while pacing. He is a VERY good artist as is my uncle. He tends to stutter a bit but can talk to you. He's always asking me when I'm going to have a baby because thats what people do after they get married! He's funny, sweet and innocent. Even as a 20 year-old.

Brandon is the oldest boy in the family and Andrew is the youngest boy (of 5). He was born in 1988 and was developing as a "normal" child. It was always in the back of my aunt and uncles minds that they might have another Autistic child. I spent the summer with them when Andrew was 3. He showed no signs of autism. He was a happy toddler, speaking, playing with others and learning just like any other 3 year-old. They were actually thinking that the baby (Sara) was autistic because she was developing somewhat slower as an infant. But they tested Andrew when he was older and he was considered "Borderline Autistic". When I saw Andrew again, he was 7 or 8 and it was apparent. His stemming was a belt that he would shake infront of him, pace and trill his tongue. On days when he had school, he would come home and do it for hours! He is very good with numbers and dates. History is his favorite lesson. He likes to read books about anything! He doesn't stutter, but will repeat until you say something to him! Both him and Brandon don't make eye contact a lot. They are always looking somewhere else. But they are very focused on things that interest them.

Brandon graduated from High School 2 years ago and is working. Before he graduated, he took a course on basic living skills. So now he takes the bus to and from work and spends his money how he likes.

Andrew is still in school (I think starting High School next year). He is very smart and does very well in school.

All of my cousins in this family are very creative one way or another. We tend to think that it came from my grandfathers side. My mom is the oldest of 7 and they all have a creative side to them. My uncle (father of these 2) is VERY artistic and my mom said that sometimes he would act like his kids when he was young. Drawing in the air, pacing, doing his own thing. Creative type of person or borderline Autistic? I guess we will never know!

It's stories like this one that cause me to believe that genetics plays a significant role in determining whether a child is autistic. I've worked with many different families and, from time to time, I notice "autistic characteristics" in one or both of the parents. Of course, this is all based on my opinion and observations. I'm not ruling out other factors that could potentially cause autism, but it's something to consider.

I found your last statement quite interesting: "Creative type of person or borderline Autistic?" Sometimes I wonder the same thing...

Thanks for sharing! I'm always interested in hearing others' experiences with autism.