You may believe that one of your pupils is autistic and you are wondering whether and how to approach their parent about it. This guide tells you how to raise the subject. 

Broaching the subject with a parent 

Deciding the most suitable person to start the conversation is a good way to begin broaching the subject. A parent or carer may be more responsive talking to some people than others. 

Choosing the right time can also help. For example, arranging a meeting specifically to discuss this subject rather than including it within a general progress meeting. This should help make parents/carers feel that their concerns are being listened to, as well as support everyone’s involvement and focus on the topic. 

Having information, articles and facts about autism prepared can also be helpful. This could also help with anxieties someone may have and answer some questions that may arise in the conversation. You can mention that parents and carers can call our Autism Helpline for information relevant to their situation. 

Talking is not the only way of broaching the subject. It may be worthwhile considering whether you could write a letter or an e-mail. This can give you some time to plan what you want to say and also give them some time and space to process the information. Someone may feel confused if they have not heard of autism before. Reading through information together can help with feelings of frustration, denial and relief. 

In some cases, you will be able to guess the kind of reaction you will get. It is important to not dwell on negatives; give the person some positive information about autism. For example, a possible benefit of having a formal diagnosis of autism means a child may have access to support. Identifying the strengths and needs of an individual and implementing the correct support means there is no reason why their child cannot lead a successful and fulfilling life. 

If parents are interested in pursuing a diagnosis for their child, you can refer them to our diagnostic assessment guide.  

Next steps

• Visit our What is autism? page
• Find out more about getting support at school