| when i talk to my 6 year old about aspergers i usually start by saying he is "soooo smart" and talking about all the great things he can do because he can focus so well... usually this coversation starts after an awkward social experience with another child or an insensitive adult, when it comes down to brass tacks i tell him that he IS different, but that it isn't bad - and help him understand WHY what he did or said was unusual to the other kids (i.e. "those other kids probably just thought you would want to play with them, and they were probably surprised that you weren't interested in hide-and-go-seek, because they like games like that")... my husband thought at first we shouldnt tell him, but in my mind i would feel horrible if i was in the position and i had to find out i was different from a group of my peers. i think my son has a good idea now in what areas he's a little bit different, and when someone says "wow! doesn't he EVER talk?" he just kind of stares at them like "Ha! if you only knew i can read in two languages and write just fine!" i think it has helped him recognize that other kids expect him to react a certain way (i go into detail about what the kids may have THOUGHT he would react and how that differs from what he did), and when it's put that way to any child with a disability i've heard a lot of other parents in my situation say that it took the mystery out of it. the child doesn't wonder "hmm.. what did i do?" ↑ |
| Hi Rain....I have four children with an autistic spectrum disorder, all older now aged between 23 - 17...i didnt really make a concious decision to tell them, they each did that for me! they all reached a stage in their lives ( at different ages) where for one reason or another they had realised that they were different and there had to be a reason for it....so i waited for each one in turn to reach that stage and it seemed to be easier to take in and understand....my children have always felt that although they are different they like who they are and i embrace that too...i dont hold with the "try to normalise them" philosophy, they are unique and wonderful individuals and should be treated as such and told this too! i feel that for me anyway, they best way is to tell it straight, keep it honest and simple and we worry more than they do! best of luck....Belinda ↑ |
To Nicole, and Belinda
Thank you so very much ladies for the great information. What would we all do, without mothers like you? I have heavily researched this topic with no success. I was getting so frustrated. Thank you so much. Having come directly to mothers, I am now compiling the information, and feeling confident about the outcome. You have truly helped me, my student and his mother with this situation. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Grateful to you
Rain
Keep the stories coming ↑ |
