Helping Your Child Understand Autism: 2 Simple Phrases

Understanding Autism: A Guide for Parents

As awareness and understanding of autism continue to grow, so too do the rates of diagnosis. In the UK, there has been a significant increase in autism diagnoses, with a 787% rise between 1998 and 2018. For parents who have received a diagnosis for their child, it can be challenging to know how to explain this in an age-appropriate way.

Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Associate Professor at children’s mental health charity Anna Freud and director of Autism Central, offers guidance on how to approach these conversations. She suggests that for younger children, the explanation should be simple and inclusive. “Everyone’s brain works in different ways. Your brain has its own way of noticing things, communicating, learning and feeling,” she says.

This approach helps to normalise differences and encourages children to see their unique way of thinking as a natural part of being human. Reframing Autism, an initiative that promotes understanding of neurodiversity, recommends talking about physical differences between people and highlighting that the same applies to brain differences.

For older children, more detailed explanations may be necessary. Dr Pavlopoulou suggests that parents could say something like: “Autism means your brain experiences and processes the world in its own way. This can shape how you communicate, how your senses respond to things like sounds, lights or textures, and how your mind thinks about ideas and interests.”

She adds that these differences can bring strengths, such as creativity, deep focus on things you care about, or noticing details others might miss. However, they can also mean that some environments or expectations might not always work well for you.

Connecting with Your Child’s Experiences

When discussing autism with your child, it can be helpful to connect the conversation to their own experiences. For example, why they might love focusing on certain interests, need quieter spaces at times, or prefer different ways of communicating. This personal connection can help them better understand their own unique perspective.

Dr Pavlopoulou, who is also the director of Autism Central, a peer support service for the support network of autistic people, believes that once a child is diagnosed, they can begin to better understand themselves and their experiences. “Creating a sense of safety, acceptance and positivity can really help,” she said. “Avoid terms like ‘there’s something wrong’ or ‘we need to fix this’ or ‘superpower’ narratives.”

Instead, she advises focusing on offering support and understanding, and emphasising that autism is a natural difference in how people think, learn and experience the world. It’s important to create an environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts and feelings following their diagnosis.

Encouraging Open Communication

Dr Pavlopoulou urges parents to give their children space to ask questions and share their thoughts and feelings following their diagnosis. It can also help to reassure them that how they feel about it can evolve over time. “What matters most is that they feel supported, respected and understood,” she concludes.

Supporting Autistic Individuals

The importance of understanding and supporting autistic individuals extends beyond the family unit. It involves creating inclusive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities. By promoting acceptance and providing resources, society can help autistic individuals thrive and reach their full potential.

For parents, the journey of understanding and supporting their child with autism is ongoing. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By fostering open communication and a supportive environment, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of autism with confidence and resilience.