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Disclosing own adult diagnosis to teenage son

Nervosa

Hello,

I am 47 and very recently received a diagnosis of ASD. I haven’t told my son yet as he’s 18 and away at university. I’m not sure how to explain this to him, especially as I’ve always considered him to be very similar to me which now makes me think he might be autistic too. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I’m okay with telling friends and other mature family members, but I’m unsure as to approach this as a parent. 
Thanks. 

Parents

  • Hi Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed 1 week ago, and I told my son, who is 28. I was nervous about it, but he was, as with some of the other comments, nothing but supportive, and said that no matter what I told him, he would always love me, which made me cry with joy. I believe that our children absolutely adore seeing our human side. And yes - being autistic is being human despite what some say (I'm looking at you, Autism Speaks).

    Out of curiosity, my son decided to take the Autism Spectrum Quotient test (psychologytool.com), which was the one I took that led me to my diagnosis. It turns out his score was much lower than mine. Maybe you could suggest your son take this test if curious.

    Disclosing to my son has only brought us closer. Best wishes x

Reply

  • Hi Thanks for sharing. I was diagnosed 1 week ago, and I told my son, who is 28. I was nervous about it, but he was, as with some of the other comments, nothing but supportive, and said that no matter what I told him, he would always love me, which made me cry with joy. I believe that our children absolutely adore seeing our human side. And yes - being autistic is being human despite what some say (I'm looking at you, Autism Speaks).

    Out of curiosity, my son decided to take the Autism Spectrum Quotient test (psychologytool.com), which was the one I took that led me to my diagnosis. It turns out his score was much lower than mine. Maybe you could suggest your son take this test if curious.

    Disclosing to my son has only brought us closer. Best wishes x

Children
  • in reply to Stellaluna35 🦇

    Thank you so much for such a reassuring reply. I’m certain he’ll be fully supportive but the ultra-anxious part of my brain is fretting  regardless. He’s studying maths and I suspect a lot of his fellow students and friends are likely to be on the autistic spectrum. He is well aware that over the years I’ve never been a “typical” mum so it may turn out not to be a surprise to him!