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Explaining World Events to a Child with Autism

November 1, 2015 by kimkaplan Leave a Comment

With the recent events in France on everyone’s mind, how do you discuss a tragic world event with your child with autism?

How did I talk to my child about the events in France?

My son and I were together when a news report came out on NPR about the terror attacks in France. I had read a report just minutes before on the Internet, so I knew a little bit about it.

But, my son had heard this report and immediately asked me what it was about.

I didn’t have much information at the time (nor did the news reports), but I told my son that it looked like France had suffered a coordinated terror attack.

My son asked me what that meant.

We had discussed terrorists before. He had had an interest in learning about 9-11, which led to my explaining how and why that had happened.

He even wanted to visit the 9-11 museum and One World Trade Center when we were in New York City this summer.

So, when he heard about the France attacks and asked me about them, I explained that these were multiple attacks carried out by terrorists in France.

He asked why.

I told him that it appears as if terrorists come up with ways to dispense their terror. They kill innocent people in these types of creative ways.
Was that all I told my son?

I told him not to be afraid. That’s what terrorists want from us.

We also discussed religion. I told him that most religions have extremists, but it is a small number of those who practice their respective religions. That went for all religions, not just Islam.

Why did I talk to my child?

Because I feel it’s important to discuss these things with him. He’s twelve. He’s growing up and learning about the world. He’s hearing about the world.

I believe those conversations should start with parents. I believe parents should take time to discuss these things, even terrorism. I can’t shield my child from the real world forever.

I don’t want him to afraid, and I want him to feel like we can discuss anything.

More on Kimberly Kaplan:
To purchase “Two Years Autism Blogs Featured on ModernMom.com”
or “A Parentsʼ Guide to Early Autism Intervention” visit Amazon (print or digital) or Smashwords
Twitter: tipsautismmom
LinkedIn: Kimberly Kaplan

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About kimkaplan

As Kim and her husband cared for their son with autism, Kim was led back into writing. She wrote about her son's journey with autism which includes her son's struggles, the parental learning curve, their good fortunes...and a myriad of missteps. The resulting book "A Parents' Guide to Early Autism Intervention" has helped many parents with young children on the autism spectrum. She followed that book with another autism-related book, "Two Years of Autism Blogs Featured on ModernMom.com."
Kim continues to be active in the autism world. She blogs weekly for Modernmom.com as well as her own website. Her screenplay writing has blossomed with the addition of many autistic characters. She was featured on Shannon Penrod's show, "Autism Live." She volunteers and attends conferences as well as helps parents whenever she can.

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