Parenting comes with many opportunities to teach and help shape your child’s perception of others around them. Whether we realize it or not, our words and actions stick with our children…both good and bad. In all of this we also may not realize that specific conversations are vital to begin before we may find necessary.
I recently had a close friend reach out to me asking how to explain to their preschooler that one of her peers has autism. I was excited that this was even on their radar. I’m not sure about you, but this is one convo I don’t remember having as a kid. Even as a teacher it wasn’t something I proactively tried to get my students to understand, and I regret this.
One thing people often forget is that autism is a spectrum. Each individual is so different, so where do we start with the convo of explaining this reality to our little ones? Well I am here to tell you there are so many resources now! From tv shows to books, there have been many tools created to start this conversation with your child. And if you haven’t felt it necessary or important to discuss this, please think about it. The children we are raising today will the be adults in the future…no pressure.
A few books that come to mind when educating kiddos about autism are a day without words by Tiffany Hammond and The Abilities In Me: Autism by Gemma Keir. As far as tv shows, Sesame Street has been a show to cover the basis of diversity! Autism is definitely included in this as one of their characters are autistic. These are just a few places to start if you are finding difficulty in bringing this conversation into play with your kiddo.
I know I didn’t quite give you the answer, but this is intentional. Every child is different and this convo will vary depending on their questions and curiosity. The biggest thing you can do is help to facilitate this conversation and create a home that strives to love others no matter how similar or different they maybe to you and your family. You can do it!
With Love,
Melina❤️
Little Honey Doula Services LLC 
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