Involving your family and friends

Explaining the diagnosis to your family and close friends might not be easy, especially if you feel they have been critical of you as a parent.

If other family members have noticed your child’s difficulties they might feel relieved that you can give the difficulties a name. However they might also be upset and find it hard to take in. So try to explain it in terms of what your child can and can’t do and how you could benefit from their help.

If you’ve been given leaflets or other information, show these to your family too. You could also send them links to websites you’ve found useful, or print out the relevant information for them.

Family can provide valuable support

Grandparents, aunts and uncles and close friends can make all the difference in coping with the needs of a child with autism. Their support can be especially valuable if you have more than one child, with different levels of need. They may be able to give you a break from caring so you can spend time with your partner, friends or on your own. They could also help by spending quality time with siblings who might feel left out because of the time you dedicate to your child with autism.

Find a parents' support group

Whether or not you have close relatives or friends nearby, try to find a parents’ support group. Parents often say how helpful it is to talk to others in the same situation. Your health visitor, social worker or parent partnership service will be able to tell you about any groups set up in your area.