Talking with Your Child About Autism
Telling your child he has autism or answering his questions about why he is different from other kids can be difficult. Get tips and talking points in an excerpt from Areva Martin's book, The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism.
Talking with Your Child About Autism
by Areva Martin, Esq.Inevitably, your child with mild to moderate to high-functioning autism will ask questions about his disorder. He will want to know why he is different from other children at school, in the neighborhood, or on the playground. If you can offer him reassurance, it will help him feel better about himself and his condition.
- You are very special and we all love you very much. You have a condition called autism. There are lots of people like you and doctors are learning more about it every day.
- You have both strengths and weaknesses. We all do. You have very special strengths [mention them specifically] and challenges [mention these too]. But your strengths are the most important thing, and we will help you with any challenges you face.
- You can make friends. You just have to work harder at it than your brothers and sisters do. We are going to get you special tutors to help you learn how to do it.
Learn more about how to be an advocate for your child with autism.