In a family where one child has autism, what is the risk for a sibling?

In a family where one child has autism, what is the risk for a sibling?

• A. Very Low
• B. About the Same
• C. Higher Than Average
• D. Guaranteed

Answer: (C)

Autism spectrum disorder has a heritable component, so when one child is affected, the chance that a sibling will also be affected is higher than in the general population. While the overall population risk is relatively low, recurrence risk for siblings is elevated—commonly cited around ten to twenty percent, though it can vary by family and diagnostic criteria. This means the risk is increased but not certain; most siblings will not have autism. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the risk for a sibling is higher than average. It’s not very low, not about the same, and not guaranteed.

Autism spectrum disorder has a heritable component, so when one child is affected, the chance that a sibling will also be affected is higher than in the general population. While the overall population risk is relatively low, recurrence risk for siblings is elevated—commonly cited around ten to twenty percent, though it can vary by family and diagnostic criteria. This means the risk is increased but not certain; most siblings will not have autism. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the risk for a sibling is higher than average. It’s not very low, not about the same, and not guaranteed.