My boy is 5, he is going at his own pace with much support. However I sense he knows he is different? How do I explain to a very literal and sensitive little boy what autism is?
My boy is 5, he is going at his own pace with much support. However I sense he knows he is different? How do I explain to a very literal and sensitive little boy what autism is?
We tell our son that he is different like mummy & daddy (we are both diagnosed) and that it's not a bad thing, everybody is different.
I think it's easier to keep it simple with them, they don't need to know what lies ahead for them in life. Just reassure that you will be there to help.
Thank you for this, I use phrases like this to him a lot. Can I ask you this, how did it feel when you understood it? Relief? I always wonder how he will feel.
Thanks again
Hard to say - as my wife was diagnosed when she was 4 we always knew it was more than likely he was going to be autistic. It was a relief to have the Dr's finally agree with us that he is so we can get him the support he needs.
I was only recently diagnosed this year and have felt a range of relief, confusion, frustration from it. But my wife and I both say we have learnt so much from watching him develop (he's 4) and how it relates back to our own childhoods.
Here's a quick breakdown of why I think I felt what I did/do:
Relief - finally knowing why I couldn't do or was bad at some things (socialising etc)
Confusion - why wasn't it picked up before...
Frustration - Partly as above why it wasn't picked up, but mainly getting other people to accept the diagnosis
Thank you - this shines so much light for me and I really appreciate it.
Thank you - this shines so much light for me and I really appreciate it.