Discussing autism and the assessment process with families requires more than clinical knowledge—it calls for empathy, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for each family’s journey. Many caregivers approach these conversations with anxiety, uncertainty, or prior negative experiences in medical or school settings.
In her blog, “How to Communicate with Families to Build Trust, Connection, and Engagement,” Rebecca Stanborough, MFA, offers thoughtful strategies to guide professionals through these complex and meaningful interactions. Below is a summary of key practices I gathered from her insights to support more effective and empowering autism assessment conversations with families.
1. Acknowledge barriers and emotions. Be sensitive to cultural stigma, language differences, system mistrust, and emotional overwhelm. Create a warm, nonjudgmental space for families to show up as they are.
2. Clarify the process and practice active listening. Walk families through each step using clear, jargon-free language. Check for understanding and listen actively to ensure their questions and concerns are heard.
3. Use inclusive, person-centered language. Avoid deficit-focused or ableist terms. Frame autism as a neurodevelopmental difference, not a disorder to be “fixed.”
4. Communicate with cultural humility and trauma awareness. Ask how families prefer to receive information, honor communication styles, and avoid assumptions about values or beliefs.
5. Start with strengths and invite questions. Lead with what the child does well. This helps reduce stigma, builds rapport, and shows that you see the whole child—not just a diagnosis.
6. Collaborate on next steps. Involve families in goal-setting and share resources, timelines, and clear follow-up plans. Empower caregivers to be part of the process moving forward.
7. Support yourself, too. Communication is a skill that grows with time and practice. Seek training, peer support, and mentorship when needed. These conversations can be emotionally demanding, and taking care of yourself is key to showing up fully for others.
Effective communication during autism assessments can set the tone for long-term trust and engagement. When families feel respected and supported, they’re more likely to embrace the information, take action, and advocate confidently for their child.
I provide neuropsychological evaluations for Autism and ADHD for individuals ages 8-48 in California, both in-person and online (my online assessment option is for ages 18+). To schedule a complimentary 15-minute video consultation meeting and check your insurance reimbursement benefits, please visit my website.
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Reference
Stanborough, R. (2024, September). How to communicate with families to build trust, connection, and engagement. WPS. https://www.wpspublish.com/blog/communicate-with-families