Episode 2 – Family and friends.
When extended family and friends understand the diagnosis and how it affects your child, it can help them become mentors for your child and an ally for you. By understanding and learning how to interact with your child, family and friends can help teach communication and social skills. Part of this knowledge helps them to understand that normal expectations can’t necessarily apply to our children and that family and friends will need to make adjustments and modifications so that they (the family and friends) can enjoy their interactions with our children.
These podcasts are based on my book “Disclosing the Diagnosis” which is available on my website: www.annatullemans.com.au . Each chapter gives specific ideas and encouragement on how to approach the topic of diagnosis and how to explain it in language that people will understand. It includes chapters for grandparents, siblings and extended family members.