Q&A: When and how should I tell my child about his autism diagnosis?

About this episode

This episode discusses how to communicate an autism diagnosis to children in an empowering and age-appropriate manner.

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... Why many parents worry that using the word "autism" might make their child feel different or labeled, and how to think about that fear. What research and clinical experience suggest about telling your child sooner rather than later. How giving a diagnosis a name can actually feel empowering and help your child make sense of their experiences. What it looks like to take a neuroaffirming, strengths-based approach when talking about autism. How to explain autism to a young child in developmentally appropriate, non-pathologizing language.Why this doesn't have to be one big, serious conversation and how to follow your child's lead over time. The value of being the one who defines what autism means for your child, before the world does. Simple ways to normalize and support your child through representation, stories, and everyday conversations. This episode will help you understand how to talk about neurodiversity in a way that feels simple, affirming, and age-appropriate, so your child can better understand their brain, their strengths, and the ways they experience the…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Sarah Bren

Guest: Dr. Rebecca Hershberg

Topics covered

• autism diagnosis
• parenting
• neurodiversity
• communication
• child development
• support strategies

Keywords

• autism
• diagnosis
• parenting
• neuroaffirming
• strengths-based
• communication
• child support

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