Autism Spectrum Family Genogram
A three-generation genogram depicting the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across a family system, including late diagnosis in adults,...
Interactive Autism Spectrum Family Genogram
Click and drag to explore. Zoom with scroll.
Can't see the genogram? View in the GenogramAI Gallery
About This Genogram
A three-generation genogram depicting the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across a family system, including late diagnosis in adults, varied presentations (high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, ASD Level 2), and the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) in extended family members. Illustrates diverse relationship styles and communication patterns.
Key Patterns in This Genogram
Multigenerational Transmission
How conditions and behaviors are passed across generations through family dynamics.
Emotional Relationships
Patterns of enmeshment, cutoff, conflict, and closeness between family members.
Family System Dynamics
How the family operates as a system with roles, boundaries, and recurring patterns.
Clinical Analysis
This 3-generation genogram maps 10 family members with birth years spanning from 1938 to 2021, comprising 5 males and 5 females. The genogram tracks 3 medical/psychological condition categories and 2 emotional relationship types across 6 documented dyads. The index patient is Kai Eriksen (b. 2019).
The family system encompasses 3 generations with distinct patterns at each level. The oldest generation includes Harold, Ingrid, George and 1 other, with 2 presenting documented conditions. The middle generation includes Erik, Yuki, Lars and 1 other, with 2 presenting documented conditions. The youngest generation includes Kai, Mia, with 1 presenting documented conditions.
Emotional relationship mapping reveals 4 close relationships, 2 distant relationships. Specific patterns include a close relationship between Harold and Lars, a distant relationship between Lars and Erik, a distant relationship between Erik and Harold.
Medical and psychological conditions are documented in 5 of 10 family members (50%). Neurological conditions appear in 4 members (Harold, Erik, Lars...). Mental health conditions appear in 2 members (Erik, Kai). Anxiety-spectrum conditions appears in 1 member (Ingrid). Comorbidity is observed in 2 family members, with Erik presenting 2 concurrent condition categories. The multigenerational prevalence of neurological conditions suggests both genetic predisposition and possible environmental or behavioral transmission pathways.
From a clinical perspective, this genogram offers rich material for therapeutic exploration. The presenting concerns of Kai Eriksen can be contextualized within 3 generations of family patterns. Bowen family systems theory would note the intergenerational transmission of both symptomatic presentations and relational patterns. This case is particularly suited for exploring differentiation of self, family projection processes, and the way anxiety moves through the family emotional system.
Genogram Symbols Used in This Example
The following standard genogram symbols appear in the Autism Spectrum Family Genogram. Each symbol follows McGoldrick and Gerson clinical notation conventions.
Person Symbols
- Male (Square)
- A square represents a male family member in standard genogram notation.
- Female (Circle)
- A circle represents a female family member in standard genogram notation.
Status Markers
- Index Patient (Arrow)
- An arrow pointing to a person identifies them as the index patient — the individual who is the focus of the clinical assessment.
Structural Relationships
- Marriage
- A solid horizontal line connecting two individuals represents a marriage or committed partnership.
- Parent-Child
- A vertical line descending from a couple line to a child symbol represents a parent-child relationship.
Emotional Relationships
- Close
- Two parallel lines between individuals represent an emotionally close relationship.
- Distant
- A dotted line represents an emotionally distant or disengaged relationship.
Medical Conditions
- Anxiety Conditions
- Shading in the genogram symbol indicates anxiety-spectrum diagnoses (GAD, panic disorder, phobias, OCD).
- Mental Health Conditions
- Shading indicates psychological or psychiatric conditions beyond anxiety and depression.
- Neurological Conditions
- Shading indicates neurological disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, etc.).
Related Resources
- Learn more about how genograms in family therapy sessions use multigenerational mapping like this example.
- This example illustrates concepts from Bowen family systems theory including intergenerational transmission.
- Explore how attachment theory genograms map relational bonds across generations.
- This example uses the close relationship symbol to denote emotional closeness between family members.
- The distant relationship symbol in this genogram indicates emotional disengagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clinical patterns does the Autism Spectrum Family Genogram genogram reveal?
How do therapists use the Autism Spectrum genogram in sessions?
What genogram symbols are used in the Autism Spectrum Family Genogram example?
Can I build a similar genogram for my own clinical cases?
Related Genogram Examples
Anxiety Disorder Family Pattern
A three-generation genogram illustrating the hereditary transmission of anxiety spectrum disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety,...
Depression Across Generations
A three-generation genogram tracing major depressive disorder through the maternal line, illustrating patterns of suicide, alcoholism, recurrent...
Substance Abuse Family Dynamics
A three-generation genogram depicting multigenerational alcoholism and substance abuse patterns, including codependency dynamics, recovery trajectories,...
Create Your Own Genogram
Use GenogramAI to build your own family genogram with AI assistance. Describe your family and let AI do the rest.
Educational disclaimer: This genogram example is an educational illustration of genogram notation and family systems concepts. Examples based on public figures use publicly available information. They are not clinical documents. All examples are intended for learning genogram symbols and patterns.