How Do I Tell My Child They Are Autistic?

One of the questions I often hear from parents is, "Should I tell my child they are autistic? And if so, how do I explain it to them?" This can be a difficult and deeply personal decision, and the answer can vary based on many factors.

• Is your child able to understand what this means?

• Are you ready to address the questions they might have?

• And if your child struggles with accepting this information, do you have positive and supportive ways to help them through it?

If you feel your child is ready to learn about their autism, the next step is figuring out how to explain it in a way that makes sense to them. Here are some ideas that have worked well in my experience when discussing autism with young learners. Of course, you should also tailor these examples to fit what your child already understands and relates to.

Explaining Autism Using Princesses

Imagine there are two princesses: Princess Elsa and Princess Belle. Both are amazing and live in beautiful castles, but they are different in their own special ways.

Princess Elsa loves snow and ice and has magical powers that let her create beautiful ice sculptures. She feels most comfortable in her icy kingdom. On the other hand, Princess Belle loves reading books and exploring new ideas, and she feels at home in her cozy village library.

Autism is kind of like that. It's a special way someone's brain works, making them unique, just like how Elsa and Belle are unique. Someone with autism might enjoy different things, have special talents, or feel more comfortable doing certain activities, just like how Elsa and Belle have their own preferences and strengths.

It's important to remember that being different doesn't mean there's a right or wrong way to be. Just like how Elsa and Belle are both wonderful in their own ways, people with autism are just different and unique, and that's what makes them special.

Sometimes, to help navigate the world, people might need extra classes to build the skills they need. For example, when Elsa visits Belle, she might need to learn how to talk to the people in Belle's village, while if Belle visits Elsa, she would need to bring a warm jacket. These extra lessons help them enjoy their time in each other's worlds, just like how some people might need extra help to learn new things and feel comfortable.

Explaining Autism Using PlayStation and Xbox

Imagine PlayStation and Xbox as two popular gaming systems. Both are great at what they do, but they work a little differently from each other.

PlayStation might have a specific way it runs games, with certain features and controls that make it unique. Some people really enjoy the way PlayStation works, and they find it easy and fun to use. Others might prefer how Xbox operates, with its own special set of features and controls that appeal to a different group of people. Neither system is better or worse—they’re just different.

Now, think of autism in a similar way. A person with autism might think, learn, or interact with the world differently, just like how PlayStation and Xbox operate differently. These differences aren’t bad—they just make each person unique, just as PlayStation and Xbox have their own strengths.

Some people might find that the way someone with autism sees the world is really interesting or brings new perspectives, just like some people prefer the unique features of PlayStation or Xbox. It’s important to understand that being different doesn’t mean being wrong or bad—it just means having a different way of experiencing the world, and that diversity makes things more interesting and richer for everyone.

Explaining Autism Using iPhone and Samsung

Think of iPhone and Samsung as two popular smartphones. Both are excellent at what they do, but they work in slightly different ways.

The iPhone is known for its smooth design, simplicity, and how all its features work together seamlessly. Many people love the iPhone for these reasons, finding it easy and enjoyable to use. On the other hand, Samsung phones are known for their customization options and flexibility. Some people prefer Samsung because it allows them to personalize their phone more and offers a different set of features.

Now, imagine autism in a similar way. A person with autism might think, communicate, or interact with others differently, just like how iPhone and Samsung operate differently. These differences aren’t bad; they’re just unique ways of being, just like how iPhone and Samsung each have their own strengths.

Some people might find the way someone with autism experiences the world to be fascinating and valuable, much like how some people prefer the unique features of either the iPhone or Samsung. The key is understanding that being different doesn’t mean something is wrong—it just means there’s more than one way to navigate the world, and each way has its own benefits and strengths.

Conclusion

No matter how you choose to explain autism to your child, it’s crucial to approach the conversation with patience, empathy, and a focus on the positives.

• Never frame autism as something negative or to blame for challenges; instead, help your child understand that it’s just a part of what makes them unique.

• Give them the time they need to process this information, and always be open to their questions—ready to answer with love and understanding.

Every child is different, and your approach should reflect what will resonate best with your child’s personality and needs 💜