A Guide to Communicating with Families About Autism

Key Points

• Discussing autism with the family can be done in a clear and welcoming manner by following a few simple tips on how to approach this subject.
• As a health worker, teacher, or friend, the first thing you have to remember when discussing autism with a family is to always make everyone feel that their thoughts and emotions matter. 
• In addition to using positive words and language, it is also important to stick to the facts in order to clearly explain what autism is.
• Maintain openness during the discussion and encourage family members to ask questions while sharing ways on how they can get help. 

Summary

Talking about autism with family members can feel a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a way to tackle this subject in an insightful and caring manner. Through this guide, we’ll help you on how you can initiate an open and understanding conversation with families about autism.

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Start with Care
3. Use Clear, Positive Words
4. Share the Facts
5. Keep Chat Open
6. Share Ways to Get Help
7. Respect Their Path
8. Work as a Team
9. Stay There for Them
10. Help Them Stay Strong
11. Help Build Strength and Hope
12. Want Further Assistance?

Talking with a family about autism can feel hard, but it does not have to be. Stay calm, kind, and clear when you chat. If you are a teacher, friend, or health worker, this guide can help you share the facts in a way that makes sense.

Start with Care

When you talk with a family about autism, they may feel a mix of things like relief, fear, hope, confusion or doubt. It helps to show care and let them know their thoughts matter.

Let them take their time with the news. Don’t rush them to feel a way they are not ready for. Each family is on its own path, so be there to help and support them, not to judge.

Use Clear, Positive Words

Autism can be hard to sum up, so keep words plain and easy to grasp. Skip big words like ‘sensory needs’ and say things like ‘some sounds or lights feel too strong for them.’

Talk about what the child can do well too, like being good with puzzles or art.

Make sure the words you choose help the family feel grounded, not scared or lost.

There’s also nutritional support for children who might have specific dietary challenges related to autism. Some families rely on support workers who can assist with things like daily tasks, getting out into the community, or practising life skills.

Share the Facts

It helps to tell the truth about autism. Each child is one of a kind. Some may speak a lot, while some may not. Some may like hugs, while some may not.

A child with autism is loved and cared for like any other child. The way it is expressed is unique to that child.

Keep your words true and kind, clear and accurate, so everyone leaves with more trust and less fear.

Keep Chat Open

Let the family ask what they need to know. Make sure they feel safe to share their worries. Spend time just listening, and do not cut them off.

Make sure there is a safe environment to ask the question. Let them know that no question is wrong to ask. The more they feel heard, the more they gain an understanding of their needs.

Share Ways to Get Help

A list of places and people that can help the family is a big step in the right direction.

Give them links to local services, support groups, books, apps, websites and online tools that can help. Even simple tools like visual aids for routines or calm spaces at home can make a huge difference.

It’s also helpful to let them know how they can benefit from certain government programs and initiatives, such as NDIS support services for autism.

If they need help with the next steps, such as navigating assessments, therapy options, and educational options, provide the support and guidance. An extra point of view or support you provide can make a big difference.

Respect Their Path

Each family has its own way to deal with autism news.

Stay kind and open to their way, even if it is not what you would pick. Don’t try to make their steps for them.

Share tips, not rules. Think of their views too, as their way of life may shape how they see things. Adapt your approach to best support their values and preferences.

Work as a Team

The family knows their child best. Be their teammate, not their boss.  This approach fosters a sense of partnership and mutual respect. Work with them to make plans that fit their needs.

Cheer on small wins. If the child tries a new skill, point it out. Small steps lead to big change. Keep the mood bright and full of hope.

Stay There for Them

Do not stop at just one chat. Check in now and then. Show you still care. 

Let them know you are there for the long run, whenever they need assistance. This ongoing availability fosters trust and reinforces that you’re there to support them.

Keep up with what you know about autism so you can share the right facts when they need help.

Help Them Stay Strong

Show the family how to stand up for their child’s needs. Give them words they can use at school, at the doctor and in social settings, etc, helping them feel confident in their role. 

Help them stay sure of their steps, even when things feel slow. Growth takes time, but each small step counts. Remember, the small wins are the big wins.

Help Build Strength and Hope

Families often need reminders that they’re doing a great job. Encouraging them to speak up for their child’s needs at school, with doctors, and in the community helps build confidence.

Tell them about kids with autism who do well in life. Talk about the great things that can come when kids get the right care. Keep the hope high and bright. Show them that with care and help, their child can grow, learn, and shine.

When you chat with care, honesty, and clear words, you make hard conversations feel less scary. You help families feel strong and sure and better equipped. 

By staying positive, sharing helpful tools, and keeping the conversation open, you can make a real difference in the lives of both families and autistic people themselves.

Want Further Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs help accessing NDIS funding for autism, then make sure to reach out to AIIM Choices.

We’ll guide you through the NDIS application process so you can access much-needed NDIS support services for autism. Through our tailored NDIS Application Assistance service, we’ll help you become part of this government-funded initiative so you can benefit from life-changing services and therapies.

Also, AIIM Choices provides Plan Management Services across Australia with staff located in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, and Perth.

With the help of our trusted NDIS Plan Managers, we’ll handle the daily administration of your plan, which includes paying your invoices from service providers, overseeing your funding, and ensuring that the supports you’re getting are aligned with your objectives and needs.

Contact AIIM Choices today to learn how we can help you create a better life through our NDIS Application Assistance and NDIS Plan Management services.