Helping Parents with the Initial Diagnosis of Autism: Parent-Informed Guidance for Clinicians

ABSTRACT

Thousands of parents each year inform their child about a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and most parents feel unprepared for this task. Although we are now able to reliably diagnose ASD very early in life, almost no empirical literature exists for clinicians on how to help parents educate their diagnosed child. This process must be conducted in a way that is sensitive to the child’s developmental needs while promoting an accepting and non-stigmatizing stance toward the diagnosis. This commentary is offered to help clinicians guide parents through this process. Rooted in a prior review of the literature as well as clinical experience on this topic and input from a parent of a child with ASD, we outline various factors parents may wish to consider in preparing to disclose ASD diagnoses, including rehearsal or practice of disclosure conversations, tailoring language to their child’s presentation, providing concise and accurate information, anticipating and providing space for children to react and process, and framing the discussion as a starting point for further conversation.

Notes

¹ Pseudonym used to protect privacy.