Children can respond in different ways to learning that they have been diagnosed with autism. They might welcome the diagnosis, relieved to understand why they’re a little different from some of their friends. They might also be worried about how other kids will treat them, or what it means for their future. Which is why it’s important to consider how and when you tell them.

We asked an autism expert how she advises parents to talk to kids about their diagnosis, depending on what age they are, and why she recommends telling kids sooner, rather than later. “They might not always remember what you say when you share the diagnosis with them,” she notes, “but they’re always going to remember how you made them feel.” This week we also round up other resources related to autism diagnoses: What should a thorough evaluation look like, why diagnoses are sometimes delayed, especially in Black children and in girls, and how to explain an autism diagnosis to friends and family.

— Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉