Telling People Your Child Has Autism - What To Do

One of the first things you would want to do isthey have experienced too many unexplained
to find out if the diagnosis of autism is correct.reactions from others. This is important as most
Research the symptoms of autism and otherpeople will not know the child has autism. Your
related developmental disorders. You may want achild may develop low self-esteem thinking they
second opinion of the diagnosis.are doing something wrong and have no idea it is
Once you are sure it is autism you should read orbecause they are autistic. Having your child
listen to stories from other parents of childrenunderstand autism will most likely take some time
with autism. Find a website with a busy messageto explain. There are many books written
board and read and ask questions. Parents whoespecially for children and help explain autism in a
have been dealing with autism for years mayway that a child would best understand when
have the best insight on what to expect and howlearning about their own autism.
you can best support your child. How your familyWhat about telling other family members?
will deal with day-to-day activities and home lifeTelling your family members such as Aunts,
will be of most importance.Grandparents, Cousins, etc. may result in many
Once you have educated yourself about autismquestions or personal judgments. Some family
the first person you would want to explain themembers could see your child's behaviors as bad
disorder to is your child. At first your child mayparenting and not a developmental difficulty. You
not understand the disorder. Before telling yourwill most likely have to educate other family
child they may wonder if something is wrong withmembers about autism. The way your child may
themselves, and wonder why people react thebehave should be explained clearly. For most
way they do when interacting with them. It ispeople this will be their first real introduction to
best to tell your child as soon as possible beforeautism.