Going to tell my 7 year old he is autistic

Hi there,

I am in a tough spot and would love some advice from other parents who have had this chat. Since my son started grade one, everything has changed for him.. as I believe the expectations are higher but also, so abnormal to how he functions. Sitting in a desk all day listening to a lecture or the buzzing loud noise of 20+ kids is getting too much. I recently had surgery and his seperation anxiety has spiked.. he cries every morning at drop off and it breaking my heart. Recently kids teased him saying he was dumb for how he writes..

So here I am, debating on telling him about his autism and exactly what to say. My son is extremely high functioning so I think he will be understanding, but he suffers from low confidence despite our best efforts. I really do believe it is his super power, he is so bright, funny and gifted.. he wouldn't be him, if he wasn't autistic ! And I absolutely adore him, everyone who meets him does.. 

To end my long speech (thanks for reading) how did you tell your child? How was it received ? Or really anything ? I don't even know where to begin.

Thanks <3

Parents
  • I am not a parent of an autistic child, but my niece’s son is autistic and he loved reading this with his mother. The book is aimed at the 8+ year old, but if you download a sample from Amazon, you might get an idea of the sort of thing that might be useful as an introduction.

Reply
  • I am not a parent of an autistic child, but my niece’s son is autistic and he loved reading this with his mother. The book is aimed at the 8+ year old, but if you download a sample from Amazon, you might get an idea of the sort of thing that might be useful as an introduction.

Children