Talking to your child about their diagnosis
It is very important for children to be educated about their diagnosis because knowing and understanding are always less frightening than what they are imagining. We recommend sharing information at an age-appropriate level and answering questions honestly. Younger children tend to be more accepting of their condition and can cope. They will follow your lead in how you are handling the situation.
While there is no right way to tell a young child that he or she has Marfan syndrome, learning and talking about it from the beginning gives the child and the family more control. A child should hear about how he or she is affected by a parent or his/her own doctor. If a child has to have a lot of medical treatments, even surgery, explaining the medical reason helps even a young child understand why they are seeing several doctors. If the child has no immediate medical problems and still has yearly evaluations, parents must clarify why those evaluations are necessary.
Common Questions from Parents
These videos are helpful whether your child has Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS, or another related condition.
Should I tell my child that he or she has Marfan syndrome?
How and when should I talk to my child about Marfan syndrome?
How can a child participate in their treatment?
How did you introduce your child to Marfan syndrome?
What was the first year like?
How does the diagnosis affect a family dynamic?
How did the diagnosis affect their relationship with their friends?
What is it like raising someone who has Marfan when you don’t have it?
What is the best way to keep from being overwhelmed?
How is raising a child with Marfan different from when you grew up (for parents who also have Marfan)?
Do you feel it’s easier to relate to your child since you have Marfan syndrome?
Your Teen
Teens with Marfan syndrome and related conditions have different issues and concerns than younger children. Some teens who were diagnosed as young children have questions that arise about adolescent issues. Others who were diagnosed as teens are confronting a new normal and are learning how to adjust their lives to their diagnosis.
Whether your teen was recently diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or if they have known about it for years, there are probably hundreds of thoughts, questions, and concerns rushing through their head. On one hand, there is a whole new world of medical information to learn. On the other hand, there is their life as a teen.
Teens with Marfan share their experiences along with advice for other affected teens.
What emotional challenges do you face, and how do you cope with them?
What are some of the questions people ask you, and what do you want them to understand about Marfan syndrome?
When and how do you decide to tell people about having Marfan syndrome?
How has not being able to do certain physical activities impacted you?
Teens and Shopping
The world is made up of people of all shapes and sizes. The same goes for people with Marfan syndrome; however, it’s also clear that people with Marfan share many common physical characteristics. At the top of the list are elongated limbs and tall stature. Some may also have indentations on their chest or somewhat disproportionate figures. Here is a resource created by teens in our community
Virtual Events for Teens
Teen Talk
This virtual meet-up is an excellent way for teens with Marfan, LDS, VEDS, and other related conditions to talk about life, laugh, and everything in between. The discussion is led by our volunteer and staff teen leaders. It is held on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 pm Eastern.
Teen Game Night
This virtual game night is held once a month, on the first Monday of each month, at 7:30 pm Eastern. Our volunteer and staff teen leaders run it.
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As parents of a child with Marfan, we gained the support and friendship of a new community of people who helped us answer our questions and so much more. Now we cannot imagine life without them. Our whole family has relationships within this community, relationships that have helped us navigate living with Marfan.
School Concerns
Your child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school. Proper planning will ensure your child has this same opportunity.
Talking to Doctors
Correct medical management of Marfan or related disorders is essential to ensure your child can live a dynamic and satisfying life. Thanks to research and advances in medical treatment, the average life span is now the same as that of those without Marfan or related disorders.
Sydney Lerman Hospitality Program
If you know a child, teen, or young adult who will be in the hospital, we have a program that will bring a smile to their face.
Have a question? We can help.
Contact our Help & Resource Center by submitting a question via the link below.