Incidence of ASD within families

[Guest guest]

I don't think this article below is of any particular interest other than the terrifying fact that they have six children, five of whom have autism. Everytime I read something like this I think that I will probably never have another child. It seems to me that in spite of hearing the statistic that the increased incidence is only 20% after the birth of an autistic child, more and more families appear with multiple children dx'd. It seems to me that there are more families with more than one ASD child than not? Is it just because they would be more in the press? Do others get this impression too or am I just being silly? Honestly, I think the risk is probably higher than 20% - what do others think?

ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is coming to Austin.

The popular television show will build a new home for and Jeanette O'Donnell and their six children in North Austin. The show's producers have chosen town homebuilder Jimmy s Custom Homes to handle the construction.

Work on the home is set to begin Dec. 12 and will wrap when the family returns from a well-deserved getaway on Dec. 17. The episode is scheduled to air sometime in February or March.

Five of the O'Donnell's children have been diagnosed with autism, from minimal to severe. The wear and tear from the children has taken its toll on the family's home, which has grown hazardous.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producers say they chose Jimmy s due to the builder's attention to the needs and qualities of each family. After nearly 20 years in business, s has also developed some of the most sought-after communities in Central Texas.

"Our entire team is extremely excited and honored to be invited by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to participate in such an extraordinary project," s says. "As a company, we strive to always reach out and lend a helping hand to the community, and it means a lot to us that we can help make this very special family's dreams come true."