Disclosing HIV/AIDS to Children: The Paths We Take

Ian W. Toal is a registered nurse in Barrie, Ontario.

This book emerged from a 1997 study that examined psycho-social aspects
of HIV. Deciding to tell others about the disease, or “disclosure,”
was a significant issue to participants in the study, especially when
children were involved. Representing a good cross section of Canadian
society, 44 families shared their experiences of disclosure.

The bulk of the book is devoted to chapters on adult disclosure
experiences, child disclosure experiences, perceived effects over time,
and the advice of adults and children for other families who need to
disclose the fact of HIV infection. Ultimately, disclosure can happen
only when trust exists—trust that parents know their children and how
they will react, that children trust their parents to treat them with
respect, and that the community and extended families will respond in an
appropriate manner. If such trust does not exist, then disclosure may
not take place.

The overall message of this book is that individual families must sort
out their own needs and issues before they can move from knowledge to
disclosure. Although it is not a step-by-step guide, Disclosing HIV/AIDS
to Children contains valuable information for family members and
professionals involved with the issue.