Talking to your Child about their Diagnosis: A Journey of Discovery as a Parent and Psychologist

Background Making the decision to tell your child about their diagnosis of ASD is a daunting one for many parents: When is the right time? How do you tell them? How will they react? What if they get upset? Should they tell... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Making the decision to tell your child about their diagnosis of ASD is a daunting one for many parents: When is the right time? How do you tell them? How will they react? What if they get upset? Should they tell their friends? Parents seeking information to help them through this process are often faced with conflicting advice on the ‘right’ way to introduce their child to Autism and how to help them make sense of what it means to them and their future.

Key Points
This presentation will include a first hand account of the presenter's personal experience explaining her own son’s diagnosis to him at the age of five, and how his understanding of Autism has developed over the last six years. The presenter will also reflect on her work as a Child Psychologist, supporting families as they discuss Autism with their children. Strategies for introducing a diagnosis to a child in a positive and supported way will be presented.

Conclusion
Discussing the complexities of an Autism diagnosis with a child can be a challenge many parents would prefer not to face. But with a positive approach and an open mind, helping a child understand and embrace their Autism can be an enlightening and rewarding experience not just for the child, but for their family as well.