Autism and Parenting
As a parent of a nine year old boy on the autism spectrum the question of discussing ASC with children has come up on a number of occasions.
In fact our son knows he is on the spectrum and uses it to explain to people he meets about some of his behaviours.
But many parents take a different view. Indeed in his education unity (read more here) some parents have , very reasonably, not told their children about the diagnosis.
So what about you?
It would be great if you could take part in the poll below. Also could you tell us a bit more about your decision making process using the comments box below.
Hopefully this will help other parents making this important choice for their children on the autism spectrum.
Many thanks for your help!
Work4peace08 Thanks for the post
My twins have always known. Its been a strength in this house – differrence is not bad. They’ve been bullied by some and fiercely protected by their neurotypical peers. They have become their own advocates; even standing up when they see other kids getting bullied. They embrace their diagnosis because we don’t hide it (and get frustrated with it, too…but they know nothing is wrong with them). I’m a child therapist to neurodevelopmentally different kids. I always encouraged the parents I saw to tell their kids. Putting a name to it helps them start identifying their creativity, savant qualities, unique patterns of thinking etc., and you can openly start a dialogue. I had ASD clients and they were pretty upset that their parents knew and didn’t tell them, or tell them at a younger age. Our kids are stronger than we think. I’ll leave you with this: my 10 year old heard a kid say “man that kid’s (another boy) such a retard!” My son replied “that’s a bad word”. ” no it isn’t.” “Yes it is. It has to do with the brain and me and my brother have autism. You can’t use that word. Its mean and nasty.” I encourage all of you to talk to your kids.