At what age should you discuss the dx with your child?

Post Reply New Topic

I think when kids are 10 or over they should be told and have the DX explained to them. If they are younger than 10 parents should tell the child they are different but not go into details. I agree with others who say that at 11 he will know he is different and wonder why.

I didn't know until well into adulthood. I felt like I was the only person in the world who felt like I do, and I never could understand what was wrong with me. It made life painful, difficult and I often felt ashamed for my sensory issues. If I had known there was a reason and I wasn't just somehow defective, I believe my self-esteem as a child would have been much better. IF my parents had handled it properly. My mother has a way of talking about things as if they're so horrible she cannot even speak of them. Most are referred to as that thing, and so forth.

Talk about it now. Talk about it often. Don't make a big deal of it, just present it as fact in a non-emotional manner so there's no emotion attached to it. We discuss it regularly around here, and our kids ar 4 and 2.

Thank you all for your insight! I have wanted to talk to my son about his diagnosis since the beginning, but just really didn't know how to go about it. I appreciate your tips and advice.

By the way, has anyone read the book "Asperger's Syndrome, The Universe and Everything"?

It is a great book that I have recently read, written by a child with asperger's syndrome. He talks about his life, and the things that he likes and dislikes. I think I will try to get my child to read it with me, and see if this leads into a good discussion.

Thanks again!

My youngest son was 12 when we began seeking a diagnosis and I told him what we were doing and why along every step of the way. He knew he was different and it has been a relief to him to know that he isn't weird or crazy. Kids understand far more than we give them credit for. My oldest son has also been diagnosed, he was 15 at the time.

There are many books about AS for kids of that age. I found that by leaving my books about AS laying around the living room, they took it upon themselves to read about it without me forcing them to. We also talk about AS in our regular conversations and the boys joke about it which tells me they are comfortable with who they are. I think it is important for them to know so that they can take ownership of their differences. (If that makes any sense. )

My thoughts are with you,
Lauri

Does anyone know of any other books that are kid-friendly about asperger's syndrome??