How To Tell Your Child They Have Autism? You have several options and resources available to you.
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Introduction: Why You Might Need To Tell Your Child They Have Autism
You may need to tell your child they have autism for a few different reasons. For one, they may be reaching an age where they are questioning why they are different from other children and may be experiencing bullying at school because of it. In this case, you want to empower your child with the knowledge that there is nothing wrong with them and that they are just wired differently than other people.
Another reason you might need to tell your child they have autism is if they are starting to exhibit behaviors that are concerning you and you want to get them help. In this case, you will want to explain to your child what autism is and how it affects them so that they can understand why they need to see a therapist or doctor.
Whatever the reason, it is important that you approach the conversation with care and sensitivity. Here are some tips on how to tell your child they have autism.
How To Explain Autism To A Child
Many parents wonder how to explain autism to a child. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is no one “right” way to do this. Every child is unique and will understand and react to the news in their own way.
That said, there are a few things you can do to help make the conversation go more smoothly. First, it’s important to be honest with your child. They deserve to hear the truth from you in an age-appropriate way. Second, try to avoid using negative words like “disabled” or “defective.” Instead, focus on the positive aspects of autism and how it makes your child special. Finally, be prepared for questions and be patient in answering them. Your child may need some time to process this new information and that’s OK.
With a little preparation, you can have a calm and honest conversation with your child about their autism diagnosis
Tips For Telling Your Child They Have Autism
Having a child with autism can be a joy, but it can also be a challenge. One of the hardest things you may have to do is tell your child that they have autism. Here are some tips to make that conversation a little easier.
1. Prepare yourself emotionally. This is a big reveal for both you and your child, so it’s important to be ready for whatever reaction they may have.
2. Choose the right time and place. You want to pick a time when both you and your child are calm and relaxed, with no distractions.
3. Be honest and straightforward. This is an important conversation, so it’s important to be clear about what you’re saying. Avoid using euphemisms or sugar-coating the news.
4. Reassure your child that they are loved. No matter what, make sure your child knows that you love them and will always support them.
How To Respond To Your Child’s Questions About Autism
It is important that you take the time to answer your child’s questions about autism in a way that is developmentally appropriate. This means different things for different children, but in general you want to be clear, honest, and provide as much information as your child is asking for.
Some children will want to know very specific details about their autism, while others may not be interested in talking about it at all. There is no “right” way to respond to your child’s questions, but there are some things you can do to make the conversation go more smoothly.
Here are a few tips:
-Be clear and concise in your answers. Use simple words and concrete examples to explain what autism is.
-Be honest. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. It’s okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers.
-Make sure your child knows that they can always come to you with more questions. Let them know that you are there for them and that they can talk to you about anything related to their autism.
What To Do After Telling Your Child They Have Autism
After you have explained to your child what autism is, it is important to provide support and understanding. Many children with autism feel different from their peers and may have difficulty making friends. It is important to reassure your child that they are loved and accepted just the way they are.
There are many resources available to help children with autism, including books, websites, and support groups. You may also want to consider therapy or medication if your child is having difficulty coping with their diagnosis.
Additional Resources For Families Dealing With Autism
There are many resources available to families dealing with autism. Here are some suggested readings and organizations that may be helpful:
-Autism Society of America
-TSA Cares (for information on flying with someone with autism)
-National Autism Association
-First Signs (information on early signs of autism)
-CDC Autism Information Center
Janice is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from Queen’s University, Belfast. She has worked with and case managed children and youth with autism and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in home and residential setting since 2013.