Helping parents understand the diagnosis of autism

This paper offers guidelines to pediatricians and other developmental specialists who might be involved in counseling parents of autistic children. Although the paper focuses on the initial informing session, much of the material also applies to followup counseling of parents and other family members. The need for careful diagnosis is discussed as well as recent changes in thinking about autism that bear upon parental counseling. Suggestions are offered to facilitate the parents' understanding of their child's autistic condition, degree of cognitive and adaptive impairment, and long-range prognosis. Information is also provided to help in dealing with parents' questions about etiology and reactions to the diagnosis. The final section reviews material that should be considered by the clinician in making recommendations for treatment and education.