Notes published by The Emerald Coast Autism Society

BEFORE TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD

Assess yourself.

• What are your values?
• What are the rules you try to live by?
• What are you afraid of?
• What is your motivation for explaining the diagnosis to your child?
• What is your motivation for NOT explaining the diagnosis to your child?

Assess your child.

• Is he/she developmentally ready to understand the diagnosis?
• How much is he/she able to understand?
• Is your child already experiencing negative consequences?
• What does your child already know?

TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD

Be as positive as possible.

Pick a “good” day.

Remove distractions or select a time with no interruptions/distractions.

Talk about what your child is already experiencing and start there.

• The positives.
• The negatives.

Emphasize that they are not alone.

• Use books that describe the characteristics of ASD, if needed/desired.
• Let them know about others who share their diagnosis.

Emphasize that you (and the rest of the family) are always there to help.

• Celebrate the good times.
• Assist with the challenges.
• Learn together.
• Answer questions.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to explain everything at once.

AFTER TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD

Take care of yourself.

Enjoy the good days and celebrate the successes with your child.

Help your child establish appropriate goals.

Be ready to assist with the challenges with encouragement and support.

Keep learning.

Be ready to answer their questions.