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How/when to tell a child they have ASD?

LeedsStar

Hi all, my little boy was recently diagnosed with autism. He's quite high functioning, so is at a mainstream school, doing really well, but obviously has his issues. Right now he is unaware of autism or that he has it. The clinic who diagnosed him did ask me if I wanted to go back so they could explain it to him, but suggested as he's unaware and hasn't asked any questions regarding his assessment, maybe leave it for now. Personally I agree, if I tell him I think I will be making him aware of it, when right now he doesn't need to be. 

What ages do people tend to tell their kids? Do you wait for them to ask questions, or do you mention it when they're young, so you're not one day breaking it to them? 

Parents

  • Hi - we told our son when he was diagnosed at 6.  He has moderate ASD and learning difficulty so not sure how much went in but we discuss it regularly to 'normalise' it.  He sometimes says he hasn't got Autism or asks me how I felt when I had it (which I don't) so obviously hasn't got a great understanding but I don't regret telling him.  This way, I never feel we are hiding anything and don't need to worry if he over hears discussion around ASD.  No right answers!

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  • Hi - we told our son when he was diagnosed at 6.  He has moderate ASD and learning difficulty so not sure how much went in but we discuss it regularly to 'normalise' it.  He sometimes says he hasn't got Autism or asks me how I felt when I had it (which I don't) so obviously hasn't got a great understanding but I don't regret telling him.  This way, I never feel we are hiding anything and don't need to worry if he over hears discussion around ASD.  No right answers!

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