Having a family that won’t accept an autism diagnosis is more common than you may think. In this article we explain how you should handle it.
Family and an autistic child’s diagnosis
An autism diagnosis can be taken in a number of different ways. For some people it can come as a relief to finally know and understand what you are dealing with.
For others however it can come as a shock and denial can come to the surface.
Quite often the denial comes from wider family members who perhaps aren’t on the front line of caring for the child on a day to day basis.
Wherever the source of the denial, here are some tactics to assist;
Educate your family
Knowledge is key to understanding.
You can compile relevant resources, books, and credible articles about autism to share with your family members.
Provide them with accurate and up-to-date information about the condition, its challenges, and strengths.
Encourage them to learn about autism from trusted sources, dispelling any misconceptions or stereotypes they may hold.
Communicate openly
Effective communication is vital when dealing with resistance to an autism diagnosis.
Initiate open, non-confrontational conversations, allowing each family member to express their concerns, fears, and misconceptions.
Encourage active listening and empathy.
Share your experiences, emotions, and the positive aspects of autism to promote understanding.
Share personal stories and accounts
Personal stories and testimonials from individuals on the autism spectrum and their families can be powerful tools.
They will help your family members understand the condition and assist in dispelling myths.
Encourage your family members to read or listen to real-life accounts that highlight the diverse experiences of people with autism.
These stories can help bridge the gap between the diagnosis and acceptance.
A good source of personal stories is social media.
There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to the subject and they are littered with personal accounts from people in your position.
Encourage family attendance at support groups
Support groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, gaining insights, and connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Encourage your family members to attend support groups specifically designed for families of individuals with autism.
Participating in these groups can offer a sense of community and provide firsthand exposure to different perspectives on autism.
Give them time
Dealing with a family that won’t accept an autism diagnosis can be emotionally challenging.
Remember to be patient and empathetic towards your family members as they are struggling with the news in their own way.
Acceptance takes time, and people may need space to process their feelings and thoughts.
Avoid confrontations and instead focus on building a supportive and understanding environment over time.
Summary – Family won’t accept autism diagnosis
A diagnosis of autism can cause all manner of disruptions to the family dynamic.
Coping with a family that refuses to accept an autism diagnosis is a complex and sensitive process.
By approaching the situation with patience, empathy, and effective communication, you can gradually foster understanding and acceptance.
Remember that change takes time, and some family members may require additional support or professional intervention.
With perseverance, education, and support, you can strive to create an environment that embraces and supports individuals with autism within the family unit.
