• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 81 subscribers
  • Views 259 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Disclosure to Elderly Parents

Jalapeno

Hi

Late diagnosed (mid 50's)  last month, and have so far limited my disclosure to some of my immediate family and very limited few at work (2 + HR).

My dad knows - but not sure he understand or gets it, but TBH he's in 80s and I'm OK with that.

However, I haven't as yet disclosed to my mum - and she's a worrier like me, and not only do I think she won't understand what I say, but actually I think she may also be the same, although obviously I can't be 100% sure.

So at this point I'm thinking should I even disclose to my mum ? and if I do, then should I even bring up the possibility she could be autistic too ? 

Interested to hear how you've approached this dilemma

Thank You 

Parents

  • It's your decision to make, but I would suggest that if you decide to tell her you present it as a positive thing, for example that you understand now why you have struggled with some things and you think that knowledge might help you cope better. That will hopefully stop her worrying.

    If she has some concerns or expresses out-dated ideas of what autism is, you could gently explain how the understanding of autism has changed a lot in recent years. I wouldn't suggest to her that she might be autistic - I would allow her to have her own "discovery" if it happens.

Reply

  • It's your decision to make, but I would suggest that if you decide to tell her you present it as a positive thing, for example that you understand now why you have struggled with some things and you think that knowledge might help you cope better. That will hopefully stop her worrying.

    If she has some concerns or expresses out-dated ideas of what autism is, you could gently explain how the understanding of autism has changed a lot in recent years. I wouldn't suggest to her that she might be autistic - I would allow her to have her own "discovery" if it happens.

Children