Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello, our son who has just turned 8 was recently diagnosed with ASD. I have a couple of questions, would love opinions on any of them if you're happy to share.
As above I'd be very grateful for thoughts on any of these questions - many thanks in advance.
As the autistic father of an autistic daughter (adult), I was diagnosed the day before my daughter, I can say that both of us being acknowledged autists has helped in our relationship. We can recognise the autistic traits in each other and have names and reasons for them.
As to the age question, you do not need to use the word 'autism' in order to explain to your child that he may have difficulties understanding social niceties, may need to ask his teacher for more clarification about how to complete tasks etc. etc. When you do introduce the term autism to him make use of autistic role-models, like Sir Anthony Hopkins and Elon Musk, plus the many great people of the past who showed autistic traits - Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Mozart, Picasso, Michelangelo and so on. This will help create a positive image of autism.
Thanks @Martin, this is great advice and much appreciated.