How do you explain autism to a child?

[Onelittleprincess]

I have a cousin who is autistic and DH has one as well. His cousin isn't as 'severe' as mine. But one thing I noticed is the way people act. In my family we treat my cousin 'normally' very little special treatment or allowance. We sk things in the way he can respond and check things with my aunt/uncle first. However dh's family treat his cousin who is only mild very fragiley. They treat her different

Personally I would be open and honest to your daughter about this boy. That he has autism which means his thoughts are different. He is still a good boy just like you but he thinks very differently and uniquely.

[Moi]

[QUOTE=Onelittleprincess;3248651But one thing I noticed is the way people act. In my family we treat my cousin 'normally' very little special treatment or allowance. [/QUOTE]

I do the same. It's hard because my friend's son doesn't have any language, so you don't get verbal feedback, and I'm not sure how much he understands. I know he does understand some things though, based on his reactions.

My DD is afraid of him, and I don't blame her really as he is older and bigger and he does lash out at times, but I would love for her to understand why he is like that and why he is different and hopefully in time she won't be afraid and can have an understanding and appreciation for who he is.

[~Raven~]

DS2 sometimes gets annoyed with his brother (DS1 who has Aspergers) and says that kids at school say his brother is a weirdo. I tell him to just say that his brother thinks differently to other people and thats all he really need to say.

[meow]

A couple of times another child has asked me about my son's behaviour. I just tell them that he likes to play with them but sometimes he doesn't know how. I say that he might not be able to answer their questions but he likes to smile at them and he is happy to play with them. I let them know that he is listening to them and he might follow them if they try to tell him how to play their game.

As for aggressive behaviour, my son doesn't hit others but he does get in a rage and will yell, throw or hit his head. I told one girl who was asking about that that he is trying to work out his feelings and it's okay for her to go away because it's not okay for her to get hit or have to listen to a loud noise. But I said that when he playing he is happy and he likes to play alongside her or in her games.