Do I Tell People My Kid Is Autistic?

Welcome back to Raising Autistic Disciples! After a full year away from the mic, Larah and Colin Roberts are back with a “year in review” catch-up, a few honest laughs (yes… including the legendary Pooper Bowl anniversary), and a question Larah gets from other Christian parents all the time:

“I struggle to tell people my son has autism. I want him treated like every other child. How did you handle this?”

In this episode, Larah and Colin talk through the tension so many parents feel: wanting to protect your child from being defined by a diagnosis, while also realizing that hiding it can create more exhaustion, confusion, and isolation. They share practical ways they’ve learned to talk about autism in trusted circles, what to do when people respond with ignorant or hurtful comments, and why the gospel gives us freedom to be honest without shame.

They also preview what’s coming this season, including conversations with autism moms, church leaders, and friends with different perspectives—because we can disagree and still be kind… and still worship together.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The one-year anniversary of potty training success (and why you should absolutely celebrate the wins)
• Graham’s first airplane ride… and the “Great job, everybody. We did it!” moment
• A scary summer eye injury, and how it revealed something important about strong connections to people, places, and experiences
• Why not talking about autism can build emotional walls and make relationships harder
• The difference between identity in Christ and the reality of a diagnosis as a helpful “map”
• How to tell your trusted people before you feel like you have it all figured out
• What to do when family or church folks say the wrong thing (“He’s not autistic… he just needs more discipline…”)
• Why hiding a diagnosis can actually be unkind long-term
• The role of the church and community: we need running partners, reminders, and perspective

Key takeaway:
Your autistic child is not something to be hidden. They are an image bearer. And the goal isn’t to make autism their identity—it’s to live in the freedom of truth, so others can understand, support, and walk with you.