Telling a Child He or She Has Autism
Discussing diagnosis can relieve anxiety for both parent and child
Deciding when and how to talk to your child about their autism diagnosis may be difficult, but it is a conversation that you should have. You may be concerned about hurting their feelings or you may be worried that their opportunities in life may be limited. While these are all completely understandable anxieties, several experts reveal that children with autism feel a sense of relief when they find out that there is a reason behind their perceived differences from those around them. Telling your child he has autism can help reduce their anxiety and put them on a path to self-awareness and self-acceptance. It can also allow them to build on their self-determination skills, which are essential for their successful transition to adulthood. In turn, a successful transition will enable your child to lead a fulfilling life.
References
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/diagnosis/children/recently-diagnosed.aspx
