Autism spectrum disorders are complex. Everyone with a diagnosis is unique. It is important that the process of explaining an autism spectrum diagnosis to a child is individualized and meaningful to them. A child should not be given too much information. It can be hard to decide what and how much information to begin with. If the child has asked questions, it will give you a place to start. Make sure that you understand what they are asking.
The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome
Recall that it is easy to misinterpret the meaning of their words. For those children who have a keen interest in their diagnosis and those whose reading ability is good, there are currently a few books written by children with an autism spectrum diagnosis that may be of interest to them Hall, ;Jackson, There are also many more books being written by adults with anautism spectrum diagnosis.
Some of these books are meant to be read by any interested persons, but a few are meant to be read by others with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Most children may need minimal information to start. More information can be added over time. Be as positive as possible.
Your positive attitude and the manner in which you convey the information is important. Let them know they can ask any question they want at any time they want. Frequently when individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis have an opportunity to meet others with a diagnosis, they find it is an eye opening and very rewarding experience. Individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis can sometimes better understand themselves and the world by interacting with others who have an autism spectrum diagnosis.
Interacting with others on the autism spectrum can help individuals realize there are other people that experience the world the way they do, and that they are not the only one.
Getting Started: Introducing Your Child to His or Her Diagnosis of Autism or Asperger Syndrome
There are a few camps around the country that offer various programs specifically for those on the autism spectrum. There is the MAAP Services for the Autism Spectrum yearly conference and the MAAP newsletter which frequently publishes letters poems and other contributions from individuals of all ages with an autism spectrum diagnosis. There are also various listserv groups on the internet, some hosted by individuals with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Currently, there are a few workbooks that provide a structured guide for the process of telling a child with an autism spectrum diagnosis about their disability Gray, ; Faherty, ; Vermeulen, The workbook format is designed to provide activities that help organize information about an autism spectrum diagnosis as well as making the information more child specific and concrete.
The different lessons suggest how the information is shared with the child. The worksheets can be completed together by the child and a trusted adult. In many cases they can also be modified for the different ages and functioning levels of the child who would be using the materials. Certainly circumstances vary from family to family. You should be forthcoming and not suggest talking about it later. For many families, using a knowledgeable professional to begin the disclosure process instead of a family member or a friend of the family might be the best option.
Having a professional involved, at least in the beginning stages of disclosure, leaves the role of support and comfort to the family and those closest to the child. This had some really good information.
- One Thought to Be Taken Once a Day: 366 Well-Being Thoughts for Health Professionals.
- Wake Me Up Inside.
- See a Problem??
There's still a few parts I need to read--I've been skipping around to the parts that I think will answer my questions. It was great to have when we had our big conference with the school trying to get through the hoops necessary to get services. I ended up not needing it, but I had sticky tabs marked all over with supportive information, and it helped me feel more prepared This had some really good information.
I ended up not needing it, but I had sticky tabs marked all over with supportive information, and it helped me feel more prepared. View all 4 comments. Mar 16, Mary rated it really liked it. Very informative and helpful. I need to buy it, as I'm sure I'll want to turn to it again and again. In my opinion it's not just good for parents, but good for educators as well. Oct 05, Robyn rated it really liked it. Dec 18, Stephanie Sorensen rated it really liked it Shelves: It was very helpful to me to understand how entirely differently those on the spectrum interpret sensory information.
This is an excellent book to start with. Aug 13, Staci rated it it was amazing Shelves: It's nice to have a book that helps break down what High-Functioning Autism is and what we can do to help Alex become a full functioning adult. I will keep this book on my currently-reading list for now. It is a great book to continue to refer back to.
Dec 07, TK Keanini rated it it was amazing Shelves: Everyone at this point must know someone who is has Asperger Syndrome or some high-functionaing Autism.
The best thing you can do for everyones sake is to get educated on the topic. This the one book to read. Mar 23, Lindsay rated it it was amazing.
I will probably revisit this one in the future. Aug 05, Casie rated it really liked it.
The sound advice and reliable answers you need to help your child succeed
I found this book to be very helpful and interesting. Feb 15, Avien rated it it was amazing Shelves: Apr 20, Jenni rated it really liked it. One of the easier books to get through on AS. Very parent friendly and not too technical. Feb 17, Jennifer rated it really liked it Shelves: Great book with lots of information for us parents that are constantly looking for it!
Jan 17, Danielle rated it really liked it. Bahareh rated it it was amazing Apr 02, Kristine Mclaughlin rated it liked it Jan 27, Diana Bever Barber rated it really liked it Mar 16, Sheila rated it it was amazing Jun 11, Lynn rated it liked it Jun 08, Hillary rated it really liked it Jan 15, Marcia rated it liked it Dec 03, Elke Overton rated it it was amazing Jul 19, Leah Johnson rated it liked it Dec 26, Racheal rated it really liked it Feb 24, Wendy rated it it was amazing Oct 21, Victor Nnamnso Ezekiel rated it it was amazing Oct 19, This can be hard, as you may like to be spontaneous.
If you break one of their needed rules, wait until your parent is calm before talking to them about why the rule was broken. Explain that some things are out of your control, for example being late home due to a late bus or car breakdown. If you know that something different to the normal routine is going to happen, tell you parent, say why this change is happening, and when things will go back to normal.
Growing up with an autistic parent can sometimes be lonely, confusing and scary, especially if your parent sometimes has meltdowns.
You may be angry that your friends' parents are different to yours and feel that this is unfair. You may be the only person in your family who isn't autistic, leaving you feeling isolated. Confide in an adult such as a friend, family member, teacher or pastoral support worker about what is happening at home and ask for their support, or contact childline. Remember to explain that your parent is autistic. Caring for a parent. Read about family life. The Autism Helpline provides impartial, confidential information, advice and support for autistic people and their families.
- Variations on Picardy.
- Die Königswahl Friedrich Barbarossas am 4. März 1152 (German Edition);
- Understanding an austitic parent: a guide for sons and daughters - National Autistic Society;
We use additional cookies to learn how you use this site and to improve your browsing experience. If you consent, please allow all. Cookies set previously will still exist; learn how to remove existing cookies. Home About autism Family life Sons and daughters. Understanding an autistic parent: How will my parent's autism affect me? My mum doesn't seem to know if I'm feeling a bit down. I get a bit confused at times, as I'm not sure when dad's actually speaking to me You may find that your dad doesn't look you in the eyes when talking to you. Read our communication tips.