The importance of your child knowing their diagnosis

When a child receives a diagnosis related to their development, learning, or mental health, it is natural for parents to have doubts about when and how to discuss it with them. However, explaining their diagnosis appropriately can bring multiple benefits, promoting their emotional, social, and academic well-being.

1. Promotes self-knowledge and acceptance

Understanding their diagnosis allows your child to recognize their strengths and differences. Comprehending why they think, feel, and act a certain way helps reduce guilt and frustration, strengthening their self-esteem and improving their relationship with themselves.

2.  Reduces confusion and anxiety

For many children, feeling "different" without understanding why can generate anxiety and insecurity. Knowing the reason behind their experiences gives them peace of mind and helps them navigate daily life with greater confidence.

3. Facilitates access to tools and resources

When a child understands their diagnosis, they are more open to learning strategies to face their challenges. Some useful tools include visual schedules to organize their routine, breathing techniques to manage anxiety, and practicing social skills through role-playing. These strategies can improve their autonomy and self-confidence. This fosters their independence and resilience, as they understand that there are tools that can help them manage different situations.

4.  Strengthens family bonds

Talking about the diagnosis within the family creates a safe space to share feelings, concerns, and insecurities. This reinforces communication and emotional support between parents and children, strengthening family connections.

5.  Helps express their needs better

A child who understands their diagnosis can better communicate their needs at home, school, and with friends. This facilitates adaptation to different environments and improves social relationships, as they learn to express what helps or hinders them in their daily lives.

6. Helps combat stigmas

Openly discussing the diagnosis normalizes conversations about neurodiversity, mental health, or any other condition. This not only helps the child feel accepted but also promotes a more inclusive and empathetic society by eliminating prejudices and misunderstandings.

7.  Improves receptivity to therapies

When a child knows why they receive support, they participate more willingly in their therapies and treatments. This optimizes the benefits of interventions, as they actively engage in their own development process.

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What strategies have you used to talk to your child about their diagnosis? How did they react? What doubts or concerns have you had during this process? We are listening!