Forty-six percent of first-degree relatives, especially the father, of a child with Asperger's syndrome have similar characteristics (Volkmar, Klin and Pauls 1998). These characteristics are usually at a milder sub-clinical level, meaning they aren't severe enough for a diagnosis but are present. Even though these numbers are specifically for Asperger's syndrome, I wouldn't be surprised if the trend was also present with other more severe forms of autism.

oh my gosh! I was just telling my sons teacher, sometimes I don't know if my son has Autism or just inherited mine and his fathers quirks to the extreme!!! lol. for example, his texture issues when it comes to food? well, I have never even as a child been able to eat anything "jiggly." (jello, hard boiled eggs...) but then I think of what one therapist told me long ago and that is, "We all have quirks or idiosyncrasies. its just a matter of how extreme and learning when and where they are appropriate or learning to control them."

Definitely. Even down to the stimming. I have a desire to stim quite a bit too. I have a very strong attachment to my childhood blanky and bring it almost everywhere I can get away with at 34 years old. I have a very narrow set of interests. I find socializing to feel very awkward although I still have a desire to have friends. A lot of trouble maintaining friendships after I make them. :-)

Same here i crave social lifestyles but i always wonder if they are truly my friends. i've learned alot about myself, but just like my son i'm happy and i don't have any friends but it still doesn't help me get alone with him much :( like two peas in a pod i guess.

Apple doesn't fall far from the tree.