If you have a child with autism, your family and friends can be a big help to you. But sometimes you might worry about telling them about your child’s diagnosis.

 

You might be afraid they won’t understand or might judge your child. You might also wonder when and how to talk to your child about it.

 

To help build your support network, it’s important to educate your family and friends about autism and what it means for your child. This is especially important right after the diagnosis. Just like you, they need to learn about autism and how it affects your child and family.

 

Here are some tips to help you explain autism to your family and friends.

 

Explain Autism Basics

 

If you want to help your friends and family understand autism, you could explain that autism is a condition that some people have. It is not an illness or a disease, but something they are born with that stays with them for their whole life. It is not caused by bad parenting, how they were raised, or the choices their parents made.

 

You could also explain that autism can make it hard for them to talk and interact with others. They might do the same things over and over again and like to stick to a routine. You can also add that sometimes, people with autism can also have trouble paying attention and may be sensitive to things like noise, light, or touch.

 

Share Information Specific to Your Child

 

Autism affects people differently and has a wide range of symptoms. Sometimes people may have a wrong idea about what autism is and how it affects your child. It might be helpful to talk about the specific behaviors and symptoms your child has instead of using the word “autism.” You can talk about how your child struggles with making eye contact or likes to stick to a routine. This will help your friends and family understand your child’s struggles better.

 

It’s also important to share the strengths and positive traits of your child with autism. Many people don’t know that people with autism can lead a normal life. You can talk about how your child is good at paying attention to details, focusing on things they like, or remembering information about things they’re interested in. This will help people see your child as a whole person and not just a diagnosis.

 

Focus on Behaviors

 

If you want to talk about your child’s autism, it’s best to focus on their behaviors. Behaviors are important in diagnosing autism, and using them to explain how your child interacts with the world can be helpful for people who don’t understand autism. For instance, if your child doesn’t like physical contact or has trouble connecting with new people, you can explain that these are just how your child operates and that they move at their own pace. It’s important to remember that these behaviors are normal for your child, and they’re not just being shy or difficult.

 

Share Suggested Ways to Interact With Your Child

 

When explaining autism to friends and family, they may not understand certain behaviors and jargon. they might not get why your child has meltdowns, follows a strict routine, or does certain things differently.  It’s helpful to share suggested ways to interact with your child, like sticking to their schedule and being aware of any sensory sensitivities. You don’t need to share the treatment plan, but sharing do’s and don’ts can help those who care for your child regularly.

 

Explain your child’s daily routine and stress how important it is to stick to it. Tell them if your child is sensitive to certain types of foods or has any other sensory issues. Share any goals you are working on with your child, like making eye contact, and let them know how they can give positive feedback and support. These tips will help others know how to communicate and take care of your child.

 

Redirect Expectations/Stereotypes

 

When you talk to others about autism, you might come across some negative reactions or stereotypes. But as a parent, your priority is to support your child and help them succeed. So, if you encounter negativity, try to stay calm, positive, and firm. Remember that having an autism diagnosis is not a bad thing, and it can help your child by providing support throughout their life. Correcting others’ assumptions or stereotypes may feel uncomfortable, but it can create a better environment for your child. So, don’t hesitate to respectfully correct others when needed.

 

After your child is diagnosed with autism, it’s important to give yourself time to process and understand the condition. Learn more about autism and its symptoms so you can feel more comfortable with the diagnosis and decide what information you want to share with others. You get to decide who you want to share the information with and how much you want to share. Remember that everyone’s situation is different, so take your time to decide what’s best for your family.

 

Remember that your child looks up to you as their parent, so it’s important to stay positive and supportive when talking about their condition with others. Nurture Pods can help you find the encouragement, support, and guidance you need to help your child. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

 

Written by: Alex Liau
Published on 10 July 2023