if your kid is on the spectrum, have you told them?

an open letter from an autistic + adhd adult

content includes: toxic family dynamics, references to ableist language

to grownups who have the honor of raising autistic and adhd kids:

welcome. no matter how you got here, or how long the journey, welcome. to both you and your wonderful child. we’re so happy you’re here.

i know there’s a lot you’ve learned and it feels like no matter how much you do there’s always something else to try to implement or learn or advocate for or —

the list is endless, isn’t it?

i’m not here for that, though it might feel like i’m burdening you with another item to check off that never ending list.

i’m here to ask a question:

have you told them?

hear me out —

as an autistic adhd child, i knew early on something was different about me from my peers. i didn’t have words to describe it, but the people around did it for me anyway.