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Older relatives lack of understanding

NAS75657

I have older relatives who think they know what Autism is but there understanding of it seems to be, it’s the new term for mentally disabled which itself is an outdated term. They have a Niece and Great Nephew who have ASC and both went to or go to University, so how do they explain.that?  How can they be educated?

  • Thank you for your response Heartpulse I did take my mum on a course when my first child was diagnosed.  She brushed his diagnosis off as a fad !! My son was diagnosed at 4 years and we have had a REAL struggle ! Ending up on him only bMuscleng allowed to attend school for 2 lessons a week and only if he was medicated . He is now 17 working as a roofer and looking to own his own company, as work is his real focus . No medication needed.Muscleuper proud !! academic was not his thing ! My daughter however loves learning the academic way and is looking to become a neurosurgeon ! Same diagnosis yet totally different children . I'm a single Musclerent and now feel totally drained after the struggle to get this far ! Could not be prouder though and really wouldn't change a single thing

  • Dear NAS75,

    Thank you for reaching out to the community.

    You might want to signpost your relatives to the following resources that explains what autism means quite clearly:

    National Autistic Society - What is autism? - rich in educational value with facts, figures, an autism awareness film narrated by Alan Gardener an autistic gardner and TV personality, and tabs where one can research different features across the autism spectrum (e.g., special interests) in more detail.

    Ambitious about Autism - What is autism? - this may be even simpler, with less jargon and a video sharing experiences of real life autistics.

    If you would like any more advice or resources please let us know.

    All the best in helping your relatives self-educate themselves and expand their understanding of autism.

    Good_Vibes365.

  • A very difficult path trying to explain autism to the elder generation ! I have four children and both the youngest are diagnosed with autism.  My parents really believe it's down to me as I'm too soft on them woman shrugging no one can understand or appreciate a person's situation if they have never experienced it, thankfully the world is slowly changing ! That's hope Pray 

  • Actually, mental disability includes not just intellectual impairment but also developmental disabilities, of which autism is one. Autism is classed as a disability regardless of intellectual ability.