When bringing up the subject, family members or friends should “think of the range of reactions they might be greeted with,” Rispoli said. “Some parents might feel relieved that others noticed what they were thinking. But for many parents, it can be a shock.”
Considering the emotion surrounding the topic, and to avoid alienating parents or heightening their anxiety, Fitton and Rispoli advise approaching the subject with sensitivity. They offer these tips for talking to parents about concerns with a child’s development: