Do you think a 6 year old needs to know he has autism (and be taught about it)

[Dolmiofordays]

YABU - no, he doesn't need to know he has it.

YANBU - of course he should.

Feel free to give your reasons why, either way.

@Varjakpaw

I am a SEN TA. Last year I worked 1:1 with a girl whose parent did not want her to know. She realised she was different from other children, but always thought it was because there was something wrong with her. Her mum referred to it as "her troubles".

Telling her, and working with her over the year to identify her challenges and her strengths was absolutely transformational to her MH. She also took great comfort in getting to know others with autism, and realising that they were all different from her, and each other. Difference became a positive thing for her.

She has now gone to secondary a happy, confident girl.

I hope the parents worked closely with you on this.

@BlankTimes
It was definitely NHS and will be on his medical records. That's why my parents are so worried about him finding out and being furious with them for never having told him about the diagnosis.

I think it would on the individual child and how it presents. The 5 year old I support has ASD and to tell him that he is autistic it would mean noting to him. Other dc in our setting are well aware and it helps them in some cases to understand their feelings. I dont think there is a black and white answer.

Absolutely, especially if he’s in a mainstream school. It’ll be beneficial for his own mental health to understand why he might react/behave differently to his peers and that it’s not his fault.
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in my twenties. It explained a LOT about what I struggled with as a child, and had I known back then I would have dealt with things better.

I had a late diagnosis and would absolutely advocate for telling anyone of their diagnosis.
The burden of always feeling wrong, as well as struggling with all the things an autistic person struggles with, is unnecessary!
When my son was diagnosed, I didn't know how to tell him, until he was talking about his hyperaccusis (super-sensitive hearing). He was saying that sometimes it's like a superpower, but other times it's a problem, because loud noises hurt.
I told him he was exactly right, that he does have special abilities, but sometimes they will be a problem, so he is going to get some extra help to work out how to overcome the problems.
About six months later, the school assembly watched a video about an autistic child, and he voluntarily explained that this was him, and told the school more about being autistic.
Unless there are very particular circumstances, I can't think of any justification for not telling a child. It won't make them feel different - they already feel different. It will help them to manage that difference, and to gain greater self-insight, which we need to live a fully self-actialised life.

@gypsywater

He may well already know.
The phrase 'because of your autism' is quite common in the medical world if he's had any consultations about any co-morbid conditions.
It may be on the screen on the desk when he sees the GP.

He may well have listed some of his main characteristics and Googled them.

There are too many maybe's, just talk to him

@BlankTimes
I think you are likely right. I'm sure he must have had a medical for the job he has. Strange he has never brought it up either then with my parents. There has literally been zero mention of it at all between them all ever.
I would be very reluctant to raise it with my brother myself as I think my parents would stop speaking to me if I did that in case it caused a huge row between them and my brother. I think their hope is that it will never come up for discussion in their lifetime so they dont have to deal with any criticism from my DB about not having told him anything