Sharing diagnosis with elderly parents- any advice?

I think im at the point I'd like to share my diagnosis with my parents, they're in late eighties.

Im off work just now recovering from burnout, they know im off work, have told them im exhausted and work is too stressful but they're now really starting to ask more questions and I think they're worrying about me. Im never normally off work so this is highly unusual.

I think I want to tell them so they wont worry, however, aware they will still worry as they won't understand it all but at least they'll know im not dying! I think how I explain it to them, ie the words I use are important, eg I found out im autistic rather than I got diagnosed. 

I just wondered if anyone had any tips on telling elderly parents. Just to add my mum has early stage dementia. Others in my family already know about my diagnosis. 

Parents
  • Hi  - the only things I might suggest would be to explain that you are OK with being autistic, that you are still the same person and that it's not their fault - it's just a lifelong difference in how our brains work. The words will be important, as you have figured out. It may be hard for them to accept, so perhaps lean in to other family members for support. Hope that helps and good luck.

Reply
  • Hi  - the only things I might suggest would be to explain that you are OK with being autistic, that you are still the same person and that it's not their fault - it's just a lifelong difference in how our brains work. The words will be important, as you have figured out. It may be hard for them to accept, so perhaps lean in to other family members for support. Hope that helps and good luck.

Children
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