How do I talk with my child about an autism diagnosis?
How do I talk with my child about an autism diagnosis?
Practical guidance for parents, carers and educators on discussing an autism diagnosis with your child using respectful language, familiar examples and ongoing space for questions.
You may have your own feelings, questions or disagreements. It is reasonable to say that you are still learning too. Your child may want to know whether the diagnosis changes school, friendships, appointments or how adults will treat them. The diagnosis does not mean every aspect of life changes immediately.
Prepare yourself without waiting for perfect words
Before you begin, make sure you understand what the clinician concluded and what remains uncertain. Ask for help explaining unfamiliar report language.
Choose a time with enough space for the conversation, rather than raising the diagnosis as an explanation during an argument or immediately after something difficult. Some children may prefer an ordinary shared activity to a formal family meeting.
An original starting point might be:
"The assessment helped us understand that you are autistic. Autism is a word for a way a person's brain develops and experiences the world. We are learning what that means for you."
Adapt the wording with the clinician and your child.
This is a conversation about the individual child, rather than a list of stereotypes
A respectful explanation can acknowledge real disability and difficulty alongside strengths, enjoyment and identity.
Choose one or two examples your child has already mentioned. Perhaps they enjoy detailed knowledge about an interest, need more time for spoken information or find crowded spaces exhausting. Ask whether the explanation fits how it feels to them.
The diagnosis is useful context, not a complete account of every thought or behaviour.
Allow a range of responses
Your child might feel relieved, proud, unsure, sad, angry or simply ready to talk about something else. Their reaction may change. Listen without requiring them to be positive or to share an adult's interpretation.
"You do not have to work it all out today. What would you like to ask next?"
Some children communicate their response indirectly or later. Repetition can be a request for clarity; it does not necessarily mean the earlier conversation failed.
Keep the conversation open
A later question may be more specific than the first one. Revisit the topic as school demands, relationships or self-understanding change.
If your child has received an assessment through Redefini, ask how the findings can be explained to them and which questions can be discussed in feedback. If you are seeking support after an assessment elsewhere, ask whether the team's current service is suitable for your family.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out does not commit you to anything. It's an opportunity to ask questions and find out whether Redefini Therapies is a good fit. Helpful to bring: your referral question, any existing reports, and questions about fees & availability.
What to Bring?
To help your testing session run smoothly, please bring the following items with you: Water and Snacks, Aids and Supports, Reports and Documents, and Comfortable Clothing.
Want the full picture?
This is just a glimpse. The complete guide also answers frequently asked questions, including: "Can I fail the assessment?", "Will I definitely receive a diagnosis?", and "Can my report be used for NDIS?"
Redefini Therapies provides psychological assessment and therapy for children, adolescents and adults. Areas of clinical focus include autism, ADHD, intellectual functioning, learning, executive functioning, emotional wellbeing and the practical effects of disability and neurodivergence.
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