Special needs child and siblings

United States
December 23, 2011 7:12am CST
I have a daughter who has autism, and she is my everything. She is my only child, and I would like to have another baby. I already know that there is a possibility that any other children I may have may possibly have autism as well, and that is something I am mentally prepared for and can accept. But then I know there are also parents who may have an autistic child and the others are not. My daughter would love to have a sibling. Everyone always asks me when I will have another one, and they tell me that she needs a sibling. Even the doctors, teachers, therapists agree if she had a sibling, it would be a great thing for her. and it would help her do a lot better. I don't want to wait too late because I want my children to grow up together without there being such a huge age gap. I am ready to have another child, but I have to wait a few more months before I could even consider it. I have one sister, and she has never been really nice to me. But, if I did not have her growing up, I would have been very depressed. I know my daughter deserves a sibling, and I want to have another baby. I would like to become pregnant sometime in 2012. Is there anyone out there who has experience in raising special needs kids, and did you see positive effects on your kids by having a sibling whether your kids or special needs or not?
2 people like this
2 responses
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
24 Dec 11
I have three children and my middle child has special needs. My 16 year old son is at college and doing well. My 2 year old daughter is great at walking because my younger son is in a wheelchair. When she was a baby I had a Phil and Teds buggy with him on the front seat and he laying down in the back. When she got too big for that I put it one seat at the front and one seat at the back. I think it is important to have a sibling or siblings if you have a special needs child. I know many parents that have one child with special needs and another normal child. I had extra scans in my third pregnancy. I don't know parents with two children with the same special needs. I taught an autistic child and his parents had a normal baby next time around. I hope that you have another baby. Good luck. My younger son is 4 years old and he had spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
23 Dec 11
I thought autism could be controlled with medication these days, I maybe wrong, but I think if you want another baby then go ahead, I think it would be great for your little girl all children are beautiful and deserve a chance and with medical solutions coming up every day one never knows..