We've got quite a few mental illnesses that run in my family as well (schizophrenia, bi-polar, and borderline personality disorder are some that I aware of). I was never really certain if autism was 'in the family' since it may have been mixed or masked by one of the other problems. My nephew was recently diagnosed with autism, but I do not know if one sure case counts as running through the family genes.

My grandma is doing much more research on these topics along with myself. She didn't realize until recently that these disorders could range from mild to severe, and has told me that if she had just that bit of knowledge when I was a child she would have actively sought a diagnosis.

Either way, I love that I have found this board and other people to talk about this with. We should be getting info on a new psychiatrist soon. One step closer!