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Going to tell my 7 year old he is autistic

SarahB15

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

  • We told our son shortly after his 10th birthday. He had his diagnosis a couple of months before that. He had been having therapy well over a year pre diagnosis and still does to this day, he already realised he was different but us telling him just gave him the opportunity to explore things further and learn about himself. I kept things very positive and was very open with him. I had spent so much time worrying over this I would make myself feel ill but he took it so well and is so open about it…. I’m so proud of him. For my son the knowledge has given him some comfort and he’s learning how to keep himself regulated. I’m not saying I have done the right thing but it’s been a positive thing for us. 

    I just wanted to share our experience and happy to answer any questions you have?

Reply

  • We told our son shortly after his 10th birthday. He had his diagnosis a couple of months before that. He had been having therapy well over a year pre diagnosis and still does to this day, he already realised he was different but us telling him just gave him the opportunity to explore things further and learn about himself. I kept things very positive and was very open with him. I had spent so much time worrying over this I would make myself feel ill but he took it so well and is so open about it…. I’m so proud of him. For my son the knowledge has given him some comfort and he’s learning how to keep himself regulated. I’m not saying I have done the right thing but it’s been a positive thing for us. 

    I just wanted to share our experience and happy to answer any questions you have?

Children
  • in reply to Take5

    I'm really happy it was so positive for you guys Slight smile I feel like he will take it pretty well. It is more so starting the conversation itself ? Maybe start with the noise in class he doesn't like and talk about sensory things ? Did your son ever ask you questions before his diagnosis ?  My son doesn't have a lot of self confidence so I am hoping this will put his mind at ease and make him feel empowered. He also doesn't pick up on social cues well. For reference I'd say he's like Sheldon Cooper from big bang theory.. super funny in his own way but I feel like when we tell him he'll just be like " oh, okay" and move on. That or be horrified.