[photo: NBC]

[Source: Child Mind Institute]

Whether your child has ADHD, depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric or learning disorder, you as a parent are on a challenging path. First, you see your child struggling. It may take years of research and consulting specialists before you get the proper diagnosis. Then you become a tireless advocate for your child, to secure the help she needs. And in the midst of all your efforts you must decide if, when, and how to tell your child about her diagnosis.

This stressful scenario was played out beautifully on this week's Parenthood, an NBC show that is doing an excellent job of portraying a boy with Asperger's and how it affects his family. Last week, 8-year-old Max first learned of his autism spectrum disorder when he overheard a heated exchange between his father, Adam, and his Uncle Crosby as his mother, Kristina, stood by. "Get it through your thick skull," Adam yelled, "your nephew has Asperger's!" A puzzled-looking Max, looking down on the scene from the stairs, said, "I have Asperger's? What is...Asperger's?" The stunned adults were speechless.

Read the Rest of this Article on ChildMind.org

Watch the Entire Parenthood Episode, 'Qualities and Difficulties,' on NBC