Sharing the Diagnosis

✨️ Sharing the Diagnosis:

The idea of sharing your child's diagnosis with family members and friends may feel different for you than it does for others. Sometimes it can feel like a daunting task. Sometimes it may feel like a relief. It could even be both. No matter how it makes you feel, it's ok, your feelings are valid!

It may be a good idea to take some time and process the diagnosis yourself before sharing. You may actually have someone that you reach out to to help you process the information. There's no right or wrong way. Do whatever you are most comfortable with.

Once you feel more comfortable with the diagnosis, you can decide what information you want to share with others. You get to decide how much information you share and who you share with. Every situation is different, so take time to decide what’s best for you and your family. It's ok to share even if you feel the future is unknown. Ensure you and your significant other (if applicable) are on the same page about sharing the diagnosis with others.

✨️ Remember while processing the diagnosis: Children with autism are often as successful as their peers with therapies and personal plans. Spend some time researching Autism and the therapy options out there. At the end of this post, we'll link some information that will be helpful. Parents often feel blame and devastation after getting the official diagnosis, they also feel relief and eagerness in being able to have answers and ways to help their child. It is completely normal to feel scared and worried about the future that awaits you and your child. There are a million possibilities of what is to come for you, your child, and your family.

✨️ Sharing the Diagnosis, Explaining the Basics: A lot of people may know what autism is and some basics about it, or maybe people who have been affected by it. There are also people who have no experience or knowledge of autism at all. Some think they know what it is, but actually do not. There's a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about it. It may be good to describe some of the basic conditions associated with autism. You can start by explaining autism is usually associated with: -Difficulty in social and communication skills -Repetitive behaviors -Adherence to routine -Sensory sensitivity -Challenges with paying attention When explaining to family and friends that don’t have any experience or knowledge of autism it may be helpful to provide some background information specific to your child.

✨️ Sharing the Diagnosis, Explaining the Specifics: Autism is a spectrum. With that said, some peoples preconceived notions about what autism is may not fit your child. It’s important to explain the specific symptoms and behaviors your child exhibits instead of the all-encompassing term of autism.

When explaining make it known that even though there are many things that associate with autism, it varies with each individual person. It affects everyone in a different way. Once you have explained the basics you can begin to explain what is related to your child.

You can explain that because of your child’s autism, they have trouble making eye contact, get overwhelmed by sounds or crowds, has repetitive movements and stims, or the routine that your child prefers and works best in. This will give your friends and family a better understanding struggles for your child specifically. That way they will know what helps and works best for your child. Don’t forget to tell about the strengths your child has. Some people with little or no experience with autism may not understand that people with autism can have a fairly normal life.

You could explain that your child is very aware of the detail of things, can focus really well on something, is able to take in lots of information on things they have an interest in. They are more than just the autism diagnosis.

✨️ Sharing the Diagnosis, Ways they can interact with your child: When explaining to your family and friends, they may not understand everything right away. They still might have trouble understanding the meltdowns, need for routine, or other behaviors your child has/does. You may want to share suggested ways to interact with your child.

That doesn’t mean you have to share the treatment plan that is in place for you child. Just the do’s and don’ts so those that are trying to interact or helping with your child are aware of what is works best and what to avoid.

If applicable, let them know the daily schedule that is in place and working best. Make sure they know it’s important to stick to it. Share any sensory sensitivities with lights, sounds, or food they may have. Let them know the goals you are working on so they can help achieve them. Any suggested ways of interacting can help others better know how to communicate and care for your child.

✨️ Summary: Overall start with the basics and then explain the specifics for your child. It won’t be perfect at first but will get better over time. With communication and working together it will all work out. Feel free to invite anyone you're comfortable with to the group to gain knowledge and a better understanding of autism.