How do I tell my kids?

Every day now for nine months I've told myself, "Today is the day!" I want to tell my kids (two young adults) that I'm Autistic+ADHD and start unmasking more at home. I need then to understand me better, as my neurotype is often a source of tension/stress/misunderstanding/etc. It still hasn't happened. What is wrong with me that I cannot open my mouth and say the words?

My wife has offered to "introduce" the topic to ease me into it, but I feel like that option is a cop out. I should be able to do this myself. Should I take her up on her offer, or should I just keep trying? Has anyone else had "the talk" with their kids before?

Parents
  • I would definitely accept your wife’s offer of help to discuss this with your children - it’s lovely that she wants to do this. I’m sure that the two of you together will be a great team and it to have her perspective might be helpful for your adult children. I’m sure it will be fine! The younger generation know much more about neurodiversity than their parents - they’ll probably know a lot about it already. Good luck! Let us know how it goes if you feel ok to share that. 

Reply
  • I would definitely accept your wife’s offer of help to discuss this with your children - it’s lovely that she wants to do this. I’m sure that the two of you together will be a great team and it to have her perspective might be helpful for your adult children. I’m sure it will be fine! The younger generation know much more about neurodiversity than their parents - they’ll probably know a lot about it already. Good luck! Let us know how it goes if you feel ok to share that. 

Children
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