Telling a 10yr old he's got autism (high functioning)

[CountingToThree]

My DS (10) has recently been diagnosed with high functioning autism. His school have been great in supporting him since he started showing signs of stress & anxiety in y4 so by the time of getting the diagnosis this summer it wasn't a great surprise to us, and the extra support he needs was already in place

So nothing has really changed for him apart from us changing our reactions and expectations.

We haven't actually told him about the diagnosis yet for various reasons but I think he is ready for it now. Does anyone have any advice on what/ how to tell him?

Bump for evening

My Ds was 9 when he got his diagnosis. We told him on the day. We decided to keep it brief to start with not to overwhelm him. My Ds has known for a long time he is 'different' from most other children. I know that having a diagnosis has helped him understand why he finds some things so difficult. He is 12 now.

We told him that he has a condition called autism. It means that his brain works in a different - but not worse way - to most people's. We use the term neurodiversity with him and tell him that everyone has their different strengths and difficulties. For example 'mummy struggles with her times tables (sadly true!) but is good at history'. 'Ds is amazing at dinosaur names but gets very anxious about getting things wrong'.

My Ds loves natural history so I told him that Chris Packham also has autism and it can mean that you are passionate and determined about something and that can be used as a force for great things. I also did tell him that it can also make some things more challenging for him but that there are people at school - and in his life who will help him to achieve his very best.

Ds was initially fine with that much detail. Once you're over the initial hurdle, you may find that your Ds will ask you more questions once he's had time to process it.

I don't know if it's the case where you are but we have something called Autism Outreach in our area. They will visit a DC in school once they've had a diagnosis to speak to them and their teacher. They also run courses for parents (which some people can find helpful as a way to connect to others in a similar situation).

Does the Senco and or teacher at your Ds's school know about his diagnosis? I'm assuming your Ds is Yr5 (if in England) so I'm assuming you're starting to think about secondary?