do we tell our son he has ASD?

Hi,

I have just joined as my son is coming up for 11, and after a long wait has been diagnosed with ASD (high functioning). While it's no surprise, I find it still leaves me wanting to know more and more, and what to do for the best.

The biggest question I have right now is do we tell him he has ASD, or leave it until he's older?

Parents
  • Thanks, SarahR, for such a lovely reply! I think you may well be right, that your son may find it a bit comforting to know the reason for his 'differences' and that it is not his fault at all. I don't know if he will view autism as a good thing in his life, as you suggest, but it certainly is a fact of his life from now on and if he is confident about your love and support, then at least you can face up to it and go from there. There are such a lot of hard times for our kids, but I think that if we show them that we will be brave with them and face the difficulties together, then they have more chance of developing confidence in themselves. Best Wishes to you and your boy! 

Reply
  • Thanks, SarahR, for such a lovely reply! I think you may well be right, that your son may find it a bit comforting to know the reason for his 'differences' and that it is not his fault at all. I don't know if he will view autism as a good thing in his life, as you suggest, but it certainly is a fact of his life from now on and if he is confident about your love and support, then at least you can face up to it and go from there. There are such a lot of hard times for our kids, but I think that if we show them that we will be brave with them and face the difficulties together, then they have more chance of developing confidence in themselves. Best Wishes to you and your boy! 

Children
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