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How do I discuss the autism diagnosis with my child?
When a child receives a diagnosis of autism, parents often find themselves standing at the edge of an emotional and informational cliff. Relief, fear, confusion, and concern can all hit at once. While navigating therapies, appointments, and resources, there is one very personal task that many parents struggle with: teaching about autism to their child.
Teaching about autism isn’t about delivering a textbook definition. It’s about fostering understanding, self-acceptance, and even pride in a child’s unique way of being. It’s also about giving them the words and tools they need to navigate a world that often doesn’t quite understand neurodiversity. It’s about you understanding the spectrum and advocating for your loved one.
Before discussing strategies, let’s first understand what autism really is, how it affects development, and how parents can gently begin explaining it to kids in ways that feel safe, true, and empowering in this blog by ABA Centers of Georgia.
Understanding Autism
Before diving into explaining autism to kids, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what autism is. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting how people perceive their environment, process information, learn, and interact with others.
Individuals with autism typically experience differences in:
- Communication and social interaction
- Sensory processing (sounds, lights, textures, tastes)
- Focus, interests, and information processing
- Need for routine and predictability
Teaching about autism means helping children understand these aren’t flaws—they’re simply differences in how their brain works. Autism isn’t something to “overcome” or “fix”—it’s an integral part of who a person is, bringing strengths and challenges.
When and How to Begin Teaching About Autism
When to begin teaching about autism depends on several factors, including a child’s age at diagnosis, their level of self-awareness, and their curiosity about their differences. Even young children can understand basic concepts about different thinking and learning styles when presented appropriately. For instance, a five-year-old might grasp that their brain works differently in some ways, while a teenager might be ready for more nuanced discussions about neurodiversity.
Some indicators that a child might be ready include:
- Noticing differences between themselves and peers
- Asking questions about why they receive specific accommodations or therapy
- Expressing frustration about autism-related challenges
- Struggling with self-esteem or identity issues
Many families successfully start explaining autism to kids as early as they receive the diagnosis using simple concepts, while others wait until their child begins asking specific questions. Each child’s readiness for this information differs, and parents should trust their knowledge of their child’s developmental and emotional needs.
Approaches for Explaining Autism to Kids
Here are practical, meaningful ways to help parents with teaching about autism to their child:
1. Use Age-Appropriate Language and Concepts
For younger children, simple analogies can be powerful tools for teaching about autism. You might explain that everyone’s brain works a bit differently—some people learn better by looking at pictures, others by reading words, and others by hearing information. Their unique brains have ways of thinking that give them particular strengths and some challenges.
For older children or teens, you can introduce more detailed explanations about neurology, brain development, and the concept of neurodiversity. Many teens appreciate understanding the science behind their experiences when explaining autism to kids their age.
2. Focus on Strengths First
Begin conversations by highlighting your child’s unique strengths and talents. Teaching about autism should emphasize that an autistic brain often comes with remarkable abilities like noticing details others miss or having extraordinary memory.
3. Address Challenges with Positivity and Solutions
When teaching about autism, be honest about difficulties your child might experience while maintaining a growth mindset. Frame challenges as differences that they can navigate with the proper support, not as deficits or failures.
For example, instead of saying, “Your autism makes it hard for you to make friends,” you might say, “Part of your autism means you might see social situations differently than some other kids. We’re learning strategies together that will help you connect with friends in ways that feel good to you.”
4. Use Resources Designed for Explaining Autism to Kids
Books, videos, and visual aids can significantly enhance your efforts in teaching about autism. Picture books for younger children, graphic novels for preteens, and memoirs by individuals with ASD for teenagers can provide perspectives and language that resonate.
Navigating the Reactions and Questions
After learning about their autism, children may have all kinds of reactions. Some may feel relief: “So that’s why I don’t like tags on my shirt!” Others may feel sad or even angry: “Why am I different?”
When explaining autism to children, it’s important to create an open and supportive environment where they feel safe to express their emotions and ask questions. Encourage them to explore resources that cater to their age group, whether that’s through picture books, graphic novels, or personal stories from individuals with autism. Address their reactions with understanding and reassure them that it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions, such as relief and frustration. Validate their feelings and let them know that you’re on this journey of understanding together, emphasizing that learning is a continuous process for everyone involved.
ABA Therapy in Supporting Understanding
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy plays a vital role in teaching about autism to children and their families. Comprehensive ABA programs create structured opportunities for children to:
- Recognize and communicate their own needs
- Understand their unique sensory experiences
- Develop strategies for navigating challenging situations
- Build on natural strengths while addressing areas of difficulty
ABA therapy is based on behaviorism, which focuses on understanding how behaviors are learned and using that knowledge to promote positive changes. By breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, manageable components, ABA therapists can teach children crucial skills such as communication, social interactions, and self-regulation.
Professional Support at ABA Centers of Georgia
At ABA Centers of Georgia, families receive comprehensive support in teaching about autism through evidence-based ABA therapy programs. Our approach goes beyond traditional therapy to foster understanding, self-advocacy, and positive development in children with autism.
Our experienced therapists create personalized programs that address each child’s unique needs while providing parents with strategies for managing challenging behaviors and sensory sensitivities. Through seasonal events, parent coaching, and ongoing support, ABA Centers of Georgia has helped hundreds of families in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Buckhead, Marietta, and more areas of Georgia navigate the journey of neurodiversity with confidence and optimism.
Call us at (855) 929-5058 or fill out our form to learn more about our autism care services and how to embrace neurodiversity.
