SN children - when to tell them

[Spongebobcircletop]

Ds was diagnosed with ASD when he was 3, he's now 11 and has come a long long way since then. School are going to reduce his supports with his agreement. It just got me wondering when I should tell him that he has ASD? Sure he knows he has support in school but he's never asked why. It feels like now would be the wrong time to tell him, but when is the right time? Any thoughts welcome.

Just tell him the next time you are discussing support.

Imo the best time would have been years ago, the second best time is now, It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Does he go to a mainstream school? What difficulties does he have and what is his confidence like? He may have made up his own (inaccurate) stories to explain the differences he sees and feels.

https://autisticnotweird.com/when-should-i-tell-2020/

I meant to add this link.

I never implied it was something to be ashamed of, or that shame was why we haven't told him yet. His teachers, carers, sports coaches, friends parents etc all know and we were not ashamed to tell them. To answer your questions, he goes to mainstream school and is very confident. Thanks for the link, I will read through this.

I think you need to tell DS ASAP. I am surprised he doesn’t already know, especially if friend’s parents know.

That's a good point. They were all told when he was diagnosed at 3 and DS was obviously too young to know at that age. It just kind of got left from there. I'll tell him now.

Friends with ASD kids have recommended the Wonderfully Wired Brains book for discussing neurodiversity in a neutral way.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so judgmental. Good luck.