The only scientifically proven link at this point is the age of the father.

If you really want to learn actual facts look up the Ted talk with Wendy Chung.

I was 31 when son with moderate autism was born and husband was 35. No family history that I know of.
I personally am interested in the idea of "epigenetics" (I think that is what it is called). - that trauma in the parent can have a subsequent effect on the child or something like that.

There was a post on the general parenting board that got me thinking about the role age and genetics play in autism.

If you have a child with an ASD, how old were you and your partner/spouse when your ASD child was born? Do you have any family history of ASD? Do you have any other children (older or younger) and are they on the spectrum as well?

I was 32 and DH was 36 when our son was born - he is 5 and has HFA (he is an only child). DH has a very quirky uncle who his mom suspects of having Aspergers although he has never been evaluated since he is successful and has managed fine in life (he is a physicist with many ivy league degrees and is married but with no kids).

Thanks for sharing.