How to talk to your child about their autism diagnosis

A guide for parents:

When your child is told they have autism, it’s important to talk about it with them. This helps them understand what makes them unique and how they can explain their needs to others.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to talk about autism. Think about your child’s age, how much they understand, and what works best for them. Below are some ideas to help you.

Talking topics:

• Talk about the things your child is good at and the things they find hard. This helps explain that these strengths and challenges are part of autism.
• Explain that autism is not an illness or something that needs to be cured. It’s just a part of who they are.
• Stay positive while being honest about any challenges. Keep talking regularly about what’s going well and what they might need help with.
• Show how everyone experiences autism differently. You could talk about a famous autistic person or someone you know. Explain that some people need more help than others and that this can change over time.
• Encourage your child to be themselves. You might want to watch videos of autistic people sharing their stories.

Talking tips:

• Choose a simple way to explain autism. Your child might like to read a book about it or watch a video.
• Make time for this conversation. Turn off distractions like TVs or phones and focus fully on your child.
• Talk when your child is calm and relaxed. Give them a comforting item or toy if it helps.
• Think about who should talk to your child. It might be someone they feel very close to, or you could ask a professional to help.

Remember: you know your child best. Do what feels right for them.