Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone!
We would like your help to create a series of practical tips about how to talk to a child about their autism diagnosis. We’re looking for wisdom from parents and carers who have told a child about their diagnosis, and from autistic people who either remember how they were told as a child or can share general tips about how to approach this.
Could you share your insights based on how you told your child about their diagnosis or talked to them about it after their diagnosis, or how you were told or talked to as a child about your own diagnosis? What worked well and what didn't? What advice would you give to parents and carers now? Are there any principles you think they could follow? Any ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ or things to consider?
You can send your tips by replying to this post or submit them anonymously by emailing stories@nas.org.uk. We will use short quotes from the tips we receive on our website and social media channels to share your wisdom with others in our community.
(To see an example of what the series may look like, here are tips about Halloween shared by our community: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy5TI2sOX49/?igsh=ZnRkeGRpMWx4YXhr )
Please remember this Community forum is public, so don’t post personal or identifying details. This includes, but is not limited to, full names, addresses, contact details, social media, or photographs of yourself.
We look forward to reading your tips!
The Content Team
We were very open with our son. I have read that children have probably gathered something is going on with all of the appointments and people involved in their lives and it’s best to tell them.
My son was diagnosed at age 8. We told him his brain is wired differently and it’s great as if we were all the same life would be boring!
We explained some things he’s amazing at that other people find difficult and some things he finds difficult other people don’t and that’s ok as everyone needs help with different things.
We explained that it’s very likely his father is autistic too (never diagnosed) and has done really well, his godfather is neurodivergent and has done really well and we are always pointing out amazing famous people who are on the spectrum or have ADHD to him as he has both ASD and ADHD ️.