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Sharing diagnosis with elderly parents- any advice?

Lemon slice

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. Others in my family already know.

Parents

  • My parents are 80ish my dad knows but doesn't understand , my mum I haven't told but she's very probably autistic and I don;t want to add to her worries she has enough at the mo.  likewise my sister doesnt know either - again she has her health issues to deal with.  My wife and kids know I'm AuDHD and a couple of close friends. 

    not sure there's a right answer to your question - your diagnosis help you understand problems you've been having at work, and other Autistics can relate to that for sure

    As genetics are strongly linked - have you considered either or both your parents are ND ? even if they don't know it like my mum .  And would that change your approach and their understanding

    Good luck - I think you'll make the right call yourself about to disclose, find the right words and choose the timing.

  • in reply to Jalapeno

    Thanks.

    Oh I maybe should have mentioned i think my mum is 100% autistic but I wouldn't be breaching that subject at all with her as i think it would be too much for her, she also has early dementia.

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