443 | Update + Should Parents Tell Their Child About an Autism Diagnosis?

Episode summary

In this episode, I answer a question from a therapist in Hong Kong about how to help parents talk to their children about an autism diagnosis. When a child begins noticing that they receive extra support at school or experience the world differently from their peers, should parents explain the diagnosis? And how can they do that without making the child feel that something is wrong with them? I explain why children deserve age-appropriate truth about things that directly affect their lives, and why withholding important information can damage trust in the parent-child relationship. Children are often far more perceptive than we give them credit for, and when they don't understand why they're different, they may begin blaming themselves for their struggles.

I also share practical guidance for helping parents have these conversations without overexplaining, overwhelming the child, or allowing a diagnosis to become their identity. Simple, honest explanations about how a child's brain works differently can provide the understanding they need while leaving room for questions as they arise. I also discuss why we need to be cautious about accepting every childhood diagnosis at face value, particularly ADHD, and why I believe a thorough understanding of the whole child is essential before introducing a label that may follow them for years. Ultimately, our role as CCPTs is to help parents communicate truthfully, protect their relationship with their child, and ensure that a diagnosis provides understanding rather than defining who the child is.