Should Children Be Told They Have Asperger's Syndrome?

In their book, Quirky Kids, Perri Klass and Eileen Castello discuss the issue of telling children that they have Asperger's syndrome. They state that when a specific diagnosis has been made, experts recommend formal disclosure to the child. This is especially important from the age of eight onwards. The reason is that these children are often aware of the differences between themselves and their peers and can be encouraged to know their problems have a name.

How to Tell a Child he has Asperger's Syndrome

Everyone is different and parents are the best ones to analyze how and when to tell their child about the diagnosis. Age, personality and current struggles should be considered before making a decision. If the child is old enough to understand that something is wrong, he may have guessed that there is a problem after visiting doctors and being questioned and observed. Older children may have noticed that they are different to their peers and for them, the diagnosis may be a relief.

Here are some tips of how and when to tell a child of his diagnosis:

• Don't tell them when driving or outside of the home.
• Don't tell them when angry or frustrated.
• Don't tell them with siblings listening in.
• Do explain how Asperger's syndrome affects them personally.
• Do allow them to ask questions.
• Do reassure them that they are special and loved.
• Be positive about getting help for areas of weakness.

Explaining Therapies to Children with Asperger's Syndrome

Many Asperger's syndrome children are academically bright but have problems in areas such as speech, motor skills, social interaction and obsessive behavior. There are many therapies that can be implemented to help them strengthen these weaknesses. If children are aware of their diagnosis, they will probably be more accepting of the help offered and more understanding of why they need it. Asperger's syndrome children like routine and dislike change so make therapy appointments at regular times to help them settle into it.

Who Else Should be Informed of a Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome?

This is personal choice and there are positives and negatives to both approaches. Perri Klass and Eileen Castello suggest that there are three groups of people to be considered:

• those who need to know such as close family members, medical personnel and school teachers
• those who ought to know such as extended family members, close friends and babysitters
• those who probably should know such as parents of children the child mixes with

The danger of telling the whole world the diagnosis is that the child may be labelled and regarded in a different light.

It is generally accepted that it is helpful for children to be told of their diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. It can help them cope with their differences and be more accepting of therapies required to strengthen weaknesses. They should be told in a quiet environment with no outside interference and others should be informed as the need arises.

Reference:

Castello, Eileen and Perri Klass, Quirky Kids, Ballantine Books 2003.