Once diagnosed with a disability, disorder, or syndrome, parents begin to wonder “when and how should I tell my child?” While there is not a universal age or guideline in which is the best time to discuss a diagnosis with your child, there are a few signs that can help determine if your child is ready.
Your child may begin to ask questions after their diagnosis and sometimes even before they are formally diagnosed, such as “Why do I ____________?”, “Am I different?,” “Why Can’t I____________?” or “Will I be able to do things that other kids are doing?” If these questions are left unaddressed, your child may start to misunderstand their disability. Begin to discuss their needs even before your child starts asking questions, once you feel confident that your child is mentally and emotionally able to process the information about their diagnosis. Sometimes children will bring up on their own that they are noticing differences in themselves compared to others. Use that opportunity to address their questions and observations and begin to pave the way for more open dialogue as they mature. A few things to keep in mind:
Seeing Beyond The Label
Remember, whatever the diagnosis may be, it’s just a word. Aspergers, ADHD, autism, achondropblocked="//KIDStherapyfinder.com">KIDStherapyfinder.com can help you find providers in your area.