How to Explain Autism to a Child?

How to Explain Autism to a Child?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a well-known complex developmental condition that includes constant challenges in nonverbal communication, speech, and social interaction. It is a condition that also involves repetitive/restricted behaviours. Autism spectrum disorder covers various areas such as social interaction of the child, interests of the child, social communication, and his/her repetitive patterns of behaviour. These factors play a major role in the development of a child.

The effects of ASD, as well as the severity of its symptoms, are generally different in each individual. Kids with such

disorders find it tough to understand the world around them.

Explaining autism to a child is complicated. Many parents find it challenging to give their child the information regarding the nature of his/her differences and discuss the diagnosis of the autism spectrum.

Parents of an autistic child go through an assortment of emotions when their child is diagnosed with the disorder.

Parenting a child with autism becomes tough for them while controlling their emotions and accepting the truth. But it is more difficult to explain it to the child. Here are some tips that can be used by parents to explain autism to their children.

Staying positive: It is highly important for the parents to stay positive while explaining autism to their children. Make sure that the process of explaining it to a child is not only just individualized but is also meaningful to them. Many parents find it tough to decide that what information they should share and how much it should be shared. While sharing the information if the child asks some questions, then it gives the parents a place to start. But what matters most at such a point is to understand clearly that what they are asking.

Keep it simple: Another thing that you can try is keeping it simple. It is better to explain autism to the child in a way that is appropriate as per his or her age and is developmental. To keep everything simple you can start by having a conversation regarding the

strength and weaknesses of each family member. Some kids become concerned that there is something wrong with them.

But having such conversation at such time give them the confidence that it is not just them alone who has strength and weaknesses.

Divide it into parts: Many parents try to explain everything regarding autism to their kids, all at once. This makes the whole process stressful, as of which the kids start getting confused, frustrated, and feel demotivated. This makes them feel that they are responsible for everything and they will no more be loved, cared and valued by others.

Dividing the information regarding the autism spectrum disorder into different parts and explaining it in limited parts, in the beginning, helps to avoid the issues. The early signs of autism in infants and toddlers can also be used to explain to the kids the reason behind their activities. It is always better to explain it to the kids on a regular basis or after the interval of a few days, to make it a little easy for them to accept the truth and understand the disorder. Also answering the questions of the kids politely and appropriately helps them to understand it.

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