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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
O Fallon, MO

My grandson was recently diagnosed on the spectrum. He is 7. He is on medication and seeing a counselor.His mom and dad are not together and his dad does not believe there is anything wrong. He thinks he is just spoiled and when my grandson has a meltdown he is just being a brat.How does my daughter get Dad on board with things?

April 11, 2013
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a grandmother seeking advice on how to help her daughter navigate her ex-partner's refusal to accept their son's autism... Read more

Members rallied around a grandmother seeking advice on how to help her daughter navigate her ex-partner's refusal to accept their son's autism diagnosis, with many sharing the painful reality that denial is common and that some fathers may have unrecognized spectrum traits themselves. Several members suggested practical steps like providing the father with simple, bullet-point lists of autism signs, inviting him to counseling sessions, and framing the diagnosis not as something broken but as a pathway to support that helps the child thrive and become independent. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of co-parenting with someone who dismisses the diagnosis, with members offering solidarity, shared stories of similar struggles, and prayers for strength and patience.

A MyAutismTeam Member

Sorry - let me finish this up. The way I think of it is with the understanding and services I'm hoping that my kids can eventually become functioning members of society instead of adults who can't finish their education, keep a job or ever live independently. No parent wants their child to grow up to struggle.

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

It has been my observation that the dads I've encountered who deny the diagnosis nearly all have "spectrum" traits themselves.

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Denial is a common reaction to an autism diagnosis. Or any distressing news for that matter. If he is in denial as part of the process of acceptance then hopefully he will come around more easily. I would print out a bullet point list if the signs of autism and give it to him. I wouldn't force him to talk about until he's ready though. Just remind him that nobody is saying that his child is broken just that with this diagnosis he can get some extra help to make his life better and be the most he can be. I assume the child is high functioning since he's saying nothing is wrong. My kids are high functioning. And the way I think of is

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

thank you, we could all use the prayers

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

again @A MyAutismTeam Member, i could have written that. My son brings his father up at every session. I swear our boys are half brothers with the same father! I will add you family to my prayer list because i know how hard this situation is first hand.

April 11, 2013 (edited)

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