Logan Graham is in grade one. He does well in his school work, but playing with other children isn’t always easy.
Logan has Autism Spectrum Disorder and child’s play can be work for children like him. One of the common challenges for people with ASD is social interaction.
Logan has had therapy since he was two-years-old. His parents, Glenda and Bill have always been open with Logan about his diagnosis and need for therapy.
Glenda Graham says “my theory is, you are blond-haired, blue-eyed, and you're a boy and you're autistic - nothing wrong with that. It doesn't have to be negative.”
While the Grahams decided to share as much as possible with Logan about ASD, many other parents struggle as to how and when to discuss a diagnosis with a child.
Symptoms vary from child to child, so what is appropriate for one family doesn’t necessarily work for another.
Calgary researcher Dr. Adam McCrimmon is conducting a study called The Elephant in the Room: Talking to Children with ASD about their diagnosis.
He says “some parents really struggle with that decision, some parents think, absolutely I should tell my child, other parents think quite the opposite.”
McCrimmon wants to speak to parents, children and adults with ASD, and healthcare professionals.
The goal of the research is to offer further help and support for parents.
You can click here for more information on the study and how you can participate.
This is a link for further information on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
