• Replies 19 replies
  • Subscribers 76 subscribers
  • Views 2013 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Telling teenage children about your late ASD diagnosis

Colabottle

Hello, I'm a newly diagnosed 55 year old woman with ASD and ADD. I'm still processing the diagnosis, which came as welcome shock after a lifetime of feeling different and all the psychological distress and exhaustion of years of masking. I'm cautious but feeling optimistic and curious about how this last piece of the puzzle will finally enable me to understand and accept myself.

I have hidden myself for so long that I want those closest to me to know about my diagnosis. This will be a very small group for now, but most importantly includes my two teenage children. But I'm worried about how this might impact them. Will they be shaken by thinking I'm not who they thought I was, or feel ashamed of me, or worried? Am I being selfish by wanting to share this with them?

I am struggling to find any advice on this so hoping that this community might be able to share some helpful advice and experiences. Thank you Slight smile

Parents

  • Unless you're planning to dramatically change yourself in some way, you'll still be you.

    Do you think they will see and treat you differently? Or just say, whatever we don't care, and carry on?

    You could try to gauge their reaction by asking a hypothetical question, e.g. what would you think if your aunt / cousin / teacher / bus driver was autistic?
    You can then see how safe a topic it is and judge how to handle it.

Reply

  • Unless you're planning to dramatically change yourself in some way, you'll still be you.

    Do you think they will see and treat you differently? Or just say, whatever we don't care, and carry on?

    You could try to gauge their reaction by asking a hypothetical question, e.g. what would you think if your aunt / cousin / teacher / bus driver was autistic?
    You can then see how safe a topic it is and judge how to handle it.

Children
No Data