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Telling your child about their diagnosis

focus

I just wondered what others think about telling their child about their diagnosis and what's the best to do it.

My son was diagnosed with aspergers in July, he's been asking why he's different for a while. We haven't told him yet as I'm not sure what's the best way to go about it. i want him to see it as a positive not negative. also I don't wanting him using it as an excuse.

The clinical psychologist has said they would sit down with him either whilst I tell him and explain in a bit more detail.

How much should we tell him. i'm only just begining to get my head around it.

Thanks for any advice.

Parents

  • I was in a similar situation to you, I had my suspicions that my daughter had aspergers or certainly some traits.  I looked into it further, discussed it with some understanding staff at the school and now are heading down the road towards a diagnosis.

    You don't say how old your son is, so obviously you need to tailor the information to him according to his age and how much he'll be able to understand. As Crystal says there are some good books out there.  I read 'Can I tell you about Aspergers?' with my daughter for her (and me) it was a revalation!  She said after we finished the book it was like it had been written about her!  She was just relieved to finally understand why she was so different to everyone else.  In fact everyone noticed how much happier she was, at school the teacher said it was like a cloud had been lifted. 

    So don't assume it will be a negative experience for your son to understand why he is like he is, though obviously this is only our experience and each child is an individual and may react differently.

    Good luck with it.

Reply

  • I was in a similar situation to you, I had my suspicions that my daughter had aspergers or certainly some traits.  I looked into it further, discussed it with some understanding staff at the school and now are heading down the road towards a diagnosis.

    You don't say how old your son is, so obviously you need to tailor the information to him according to his age and how much he'll be able to understand. As Crystal says there are some good books out there.  I read 'Can I tell you about Aspergers?' with my daughter for her (and me) it was a revalation!  She said after we finished the book it was like it had been written about her!  She was just relieved to finally understand why she was so different to everyone else.  In fact everyone noticed how much happier she was, at school the teacher said it was like a cloud had been lifted. 

    So don't assume it will be a negative experience for your son to understand why he is like he is, though obviously this is only our experience and each child is an individual and may react differently.

    Good luck with it.

Children
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