How to help a father in denial

[PastysPrincess]

What can I do to help my DH accept a potential SEN diagnosis and the process that goes along with it? We've just been for our first Paediatrician appointment and he is fuming that the Dr hasn't told us there and then what he thinks is wrong.

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I don't know if you can. I think everyone deals with a diagnosis differently. Personally I found the time before a diagnosis very hard and then the diagnosis written down on paper was also very hard to accept. I can't speak for anyone else but I wish I knew then what I know now. A diagnosis didn't change my child and it doesn't define him. I now very much accept his diagnosis and definitely don't dwell on it. I love him for who he is.
Time is definitely a great healer. Just listen when he wants to talk and try to do stuff as a couple that isn't based around worrying about your child. It will be ok.

Thanks. I tried to see if he wanted to talk to another couple we met recently as they are a bit further along the process. I thought it might help him to get an idea of what to expect and how long it might take. He was not impressed with the idea at all.

It sounds like he's in denial. Don't push it- he will come round to it in his own time. Try to not make it all consuming. You sound like you're further along in accepting that your child may have SEN. Try to do some fun stuff outside of appointments etc. It definitely gets easier (or has for me) as time goes on.

Also, maybe he just doesn't want to talk about it even though it's on his mind. My husband was a bit like this at the beginning

He doesn't talk about most things anyway so maybe I just need to leave him be.

Yes mine is the same. Talk to friends and let him come me round in his own time. It will be ok.