Autistic parents’ views and experiences of talking about autism with their autistic children

• DOI: 10.1177/1362361320981317
• Publication Date: 2021-01-13T22:03:09Z
• Authors: Laura Crane; Lok Man Lui; Jade Davies; Elizabeth Pellicano
• Keywords: Parents; Short Reports; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Communication; Emotions; 05 social sciences; Humans; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Autistic Disorder; Child; 10. No inequality

Previous research examining how parents talk about autism with their children has tended to focus on who are not autistic themselves. We collected information this topic from 34 of (most whom had told diagnosis). found similarities, but also differences, between the views and experiences in those reported previous (in studies largely non-autistic parents). Similarities include following: it is important be open honest diagnosis; diagnosis should introduced/discussed as early possible; discussions tailored each individual child's needs; we overlook challenges associated autism, positive aspects too. Differences used personal conversations which was felt result increased understanding empathy children; overwhelmingly focused more an our sample did express concerns that could have negative consequences too (e.g. making anxious); want or need professional support (instead, they confident using own knowledge/experiences guide discussions).