TPP 320: Dr. Karen Wilson on How (and When) to Talk to Kids About Their Diagnoses

I know that there are concerns among many families that their child’s self-esteem can be negatively impacted by a label, or that others, including teachers may treat a child differently if they know they have one or more diagnoses, especially because of the stigma associated with neurodifferences. So this is what Dr. Karen Wilson and I get into — demystifying the process and offering suggestions for approaching these important conversations. 

In our conversation, Karen breaks down the kind of language we can use when talking with kids about their diagnosis, as well as how that conversation will likely continue to evolve as our kids get older. We also talked about how to navigate this process with a child or teen who is resistant to labels, why it’s critical that we have all of these conversations from a foundation of prioritizing and recognizing strengths.  and how to have this conversation in a household with neurotypical siblings.

Dr. Karen Wilson is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, Director of West LA Neuropsychology, PC, the founder of ChildNEXUS.com, and the host of the Diverse Thinking · Different Learning podcast. She specializes in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, and she has extensive experience evaluating children and adults who present with neurological, medical and psychiatric disorders.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• What a diagnosis actually is and what it can mean to a family
• How to balance communication surrounding your child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses so the emphasis is not on challenges
• What types of language to use when talking with your kids about their diagnoses, and how to evolve language as kids get older
• How to navigate talking with children and teens about their neurodifferences if they’re resistant to labels or being “otherized”
• Best practices for talking about diagnoses in households with neurotypical siblings
• How to give kids the tools and empowerment they need to ultimately feel confident navigating situations in their lives where they are judged by their diagnosis and related stigma

Resources mentioned 

• Dr. Karen Wilson’s website
• Dr. Karen Wilson on Twitter
• Dr. Karen Wilson on LinkedIn
• ChildNEXUS
• Diverse Thinking, Different Learning (Karen’s podcast) 
• Dr. Karen Wilson on How to Know if Your Child is Ready for the Transition to Elementary School (Tilt Parenting podcast)
• Carol Dweck and Mindset

Connect with Tilt Parenting

• Visit Tilt Parenting
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• Read a chapter of Differently Wired
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