Three of Four Children with Autism: Mother Wouldn't Change Them

Three of four children with autism: 'I wouldn't take away their autism'

What would a mother do if three of her four children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? Miriam, the subject of a report broadcast by Antena 3, is clear: she wouldn't take away their autism. 'I like them as they are,' she says. The statement, shared on an economics forum, has sparked a storm of reactions that goes far beyond a family anecdote. Because behind that seemingly innocuous phrase lie three debates this country has yet to resolve: the origin of autism, the role of vaccines and the business some attribute to psychiatric diagnosis.

The case is statistically striking. Three of Miriam's four children —Miguel, Andrés and Pablo— have different degrees of ASD. The probability of this happening by chance is low, and that has fueled all kinds of theories in the discussion. From genetic inheritance to environmental pollution, to the hypothesis —without scientific backing— that vaccines are responsible. The mother, meanwhile, insists she wouldn't change her children.

Is autism hereditary?

Genetics is the explanation that gains weight when diagnoses repeat in the same family. 'Inheriting an autistic disorder is usually not so linear,' one participant notes, 'and even less so in three children.' Another points directly to heredity: 'Haven't you considered it might be hereditary?' The scientific community has long pointed to genetic and environmental factors, but public conversation remains anchored in suspicion.

Some argue the problem is overdiagnosis. 'The psychologist has gone too far,' it's said. The thesis: DSM-5 criteria have broadened the spectrum so much that it now includes everything from severe cases to mild traits that previously went unnoticed. The result, according to this view, is that children who could manage without that burden are labeled.

The shadow of vaccines

The hypothesis linking vaccines and autism reappears again and again. 'I'm convinced autism is a direct consequence of vaccines,' one message states. The majority scientific evidence refutes it, but the myth has deep roots and finds fertile ground in every striking case. At the opposite extreme, another participant jokes: 'Give the healthy one more vaccines.'

The debate intensifies when mixed with statistics. 'Three from the same mother is practically impossible,' is argued to rule out a causal relationship. Others recall that most disorders are acquired and genetics doesn't explain all cases. The discussion, as almost always, ends without agreement.

The business of diagnosis

One of the most critical currents points to the psychiatric industry. 'Current psychiatry is a bad joke and a incivil' business,' one reads. The argument: each new diagnostic label opens a market for drugs and therapies. It's compared to ADHD, whose treatment generated a multimillion-dollar business, and to gender dysphoria. 'Psychiatrists are sons of bitches who drug people,' another message concludes.

Against this, some defend that the increase in diagnoses responds to greater knowledge. 'Diagnoses have increased because knowledge has increased,' a participant argues. The discussion drifts toward Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a form of child abuse in which the caregiver invents or induces symptoms. 'It's the most twisted form of attention-seeking,' it's stated.

What degrees of autism exist?

The spectrum is broad. 'There are autistics and autistics,' one message summarizes. Some have severe communication difficulties; others are functional with socialization problems. 'Some are frightened by loud noises and others are functional people with certain problems,' it's explained. The DSM-5 unified under the ASD umbrella disorders previously separated, such as Asperger's.

That diversity complicates any generalization. 'To assess how hard it is for parents, the degree on that spectrum is essential,' it's stressed. In the report, one of the children barely communicates; another plays the piano. The family experience, therefore, varies radically depending on the case.

The cost of raising three children with ASD

Household economics appears in passing. 'There are no benefits for autistics unless the degree is very high and disabling,' it's lamented. Dependency, therapies and constant care have a price the system doesn't always cover. 'With a lot of patience and a diamond mine, one of the three might turn out like Muskolini,' one message jokes.

Institutional support is uneven. Early detection —in Miriam's case, before age two— refers to the autonomous community to start therapy procedures. But waiting lists and lack of resources hinder the process. 'Even having trinc said treatment, the young child at eight years old barely says words,' it's observed.

---

The underlying question remains unanswered. Is autism a condition that should be accepted or a disorder that should be treated? Miriam is clear. Others are not. And while science advances, society debates whether the increase in diagnoses is pogre or business. What no one disputes is that children, with or without a label, still need the same: patience, resources and, if you push me, a diamond mine.