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What should I say to my child about their diagnosis of autism?
Explaining autism to your child can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you may wonder, “What should I say to my child about their diagnosis of autism?” The good news is that you don’t have to have all the answers right away. When explaining autism to your child, what matters most is creating a safe, loving space where your child feels supported and valued.
Explaining autism is about helping your child understand themselves better. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their unique strengths and address challenges with compassion. But where do you start? Should you focus on what autism is or talk about how it affects them personally? Every family’s journey is different, and you can tailor your approach to your child’s age, personality, and understanding.
In this guide by ABA Centers of New Jersey, we’ll explore practical ways to explain autism to your child, focusing on fostering family awareness and building a positive narrative. Don’t forget to visit our blog for more information on autism and neurodiversity, designed to support parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists.
7 Strategies for Explaining Autism to Your Child
- Start with a Simple Explanation
When explaining autism, begin with a straightforward definition: “Autism is a way of thinking and experiencing the world that makes some things easier and other things challenging.” Use language that matches your child’s developmental level. For younger kids, you might compare autism to a superpower that makes them unique but also requires practice to manage specific challenges.
Example: “Your brain works differently from others. That’s why you’re really good at remembering details, but sometimes loud noises can bother you.”
- Focus on Strengths and Neurodiversity
Highlight your child’s strengths to build their confidence. Explain that everyone has things they’re good at and things they find challenging. Addressing the symptoms of autism can help normalize the concept and approach its impact on your child’s life and those around them.
Example: “Autism helps you see patterns that others might miss, but it also means you might need extra time to understand new situations.”
Just as every trait of a person is unique, so is the brain. You can also take the brain types test by Cambridge University with your family and discover the uniqueness of each one of you.
- Use Visual Aids and Stories
Children often respond well to visual tools. Consider using books, videos, or social stories about autism to make the concept more relatable. These resources can help concretely illustrate abstract ideas.
Resource Tip: Look for books like All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph o The Autism Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin.
- Encourage Questions and Listen Actively
Your child may have many questions, such as, “Why do I have autism?” or “Does everyone know I have autism?” Be patient and open to their curiosity. Validate their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to ask anything.
Example Response: “Yes, you might feel different sometimes, and that’s okay. Everyone is different in their own way. Let’s talk about how we can make things easier for you.”
- Normalize Autism in Family Discussions
Fostering awareness about autism within your family can create a supportive environment. Use family discussions to celebrate diversity and emphasize that autism is just one part of who your child is.
Example Activity: Have each family member share something unique about themselves, showing that everyone has differences worth celebrating.
- Address Challenges with Positivity
It’s important to acknowledge the difficulties your child may face, such as sensory sensitivities or social challenges, without making them feel broken or less capable. Frame these challenges as opportunities for growth.
Example: “Sometimes loud noises feel too much for you. Let’s figure out ways to make you more comfortable, like using noise-canceling headphones.”
- Revisit the Conversation Regularly
Talking about autism isn’t a one-time event. As your child grows, their understanding will deepen, and they may have new questions. Keep the dialogue open and adapt your explanations as needed.
Example: “When you were younger, we talked about autism as a superpower. Now that you’re older, let’s talk about how it affects your friendships and school.”
Experts from the University of Washington recommend explaining autism to your child continually and gradually as they develop an understanding and curiosity about the topic.
Building Awareness and Acceptance at Home
Explaining autism is also an opportunity to build family awareness and promote acceptance. Encourage siblings and extended family to learn about autism so they can support your child. Use inclusive language and emphasize that autism is just one part of your child’s identity.
Tip: Choose the right time for explaining autism to your child and family and create a “family agreement” to support your child’s needs, such as maintaining quiet spaces or practicing patience during challenging moments.
Although there is no perfect time to explain autism, keep the following factors in mind:
- Chronological age of your child
- Developmental stage
- Interest and curiosity in the topic
- Your child’s level of verbal comprehension
- Information to answer their questions
- Consider your child’s choice of who to share their diagnosis with
Empowering Your Child with ABA Therapy
Explaining autism to your child and family is a journey, not a destination. By focusing on their strengths, addressing challenges with empathy, and fostering open communication, you’re equipping them with the tools to navigate the world with confidence.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Although autism has challenges, it is also an opportunity to learn about the unique way your child perceives the world. In addition, with methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis or La Terapia ABA, individuals with autism can learn essential life skills that allow them to successfully integrate into their communities while strengthening their talents and interests.
With ABA therapy, children and teenagers with autism acquire powerful tools for socialization, communication, independence, and academic success.
To navigate neurodiversity with professional support, call ABA Centers of New Jersey at (855) 640-7888 o conéctate en línea. Together, we can create a world where every child feels valued and understood.