They now have something to go with and they're OK for now. Language and Honesty Poole was initially hesitant to use the term muscular dystrophy with his son but was advised to get the words on the table early on. Using correct terms makes the condition more objective, something the child has, not something he is. It also makes the term less frightening. The word disease may be more of a problem.
Children associate being sick with feeling bad, staying in bed, taking medicine and getting well.
Before age 8 or so, they may not comprehend that a disease or illness is what's making their muscles weak. Some parents believe they're protecting their children by not telling them about the diagnosis, saying there's nothing wrong or refusing to answer questions. But if they're not given answers, children create their own beliefs, blaming themselves or imagining the problem is much worse than it is. Even though you can't assure your child of improvement, the youngster will be less disturbed by a truthful answer than by an evasive one. The Pooles answered Matthew and his brother Danny, who also has DMD, honestly when they asked about getting better.