www.aidsnyc.org: disclosure video


	www.aidsnyc.org







		"Don't Shut Me Out..." is a documentary exploring the issues that HIV+ parents struggle with when disclosing their HIV status to their children. The tape presents fir st-person accounts of the conflicts of four parents who have not yet disclosed, relates the stories of four families who have spoken openly about the parent's HIV status and offers the opinions of an expert in the field.


	Some of the prominent themes explored in the tape:

	Before telling, parents are often scared of losing their children, robbing their children of a worry-free childhood, not knowing what to expect and often feel guilty. Parents need to be comfortable with the information, as children respond to emotional messages more readily than verbal ones. Di sclosure can be a difficult, yet important and therapeutic experience for the family.


	Parents can prepare by: identifying supports for both themselves as well as their children, determining age appropriate information and educating themselves about the virus.


	There are many models of telling: in private or with a social worker; all at once or in stages; at home or an other appropriate setting. There is no right way to tell, but finding the appropriate way for individual families is critical. Children's reactions vary and can often be correlated with how they were told and at what age.


	Offering advice on how to tell one's child as well as portraits of children who have grown up with the information, the video is optimistic and insightful. "Don't Shut Me Out..." provides role models for parent's struggling with the issues of disclosure, helps healthcare providers understand the complexity of the situation, and raises the awareness of the general population interested in the social implications of the AIDS epidemic.


	For more information or to order a tape: Send $20 check or m.o. payable to The Center for Special Studies The Center for Special Studies The New York Hospital 525 East 68th Street, F-24 New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212-746-4108 Fax: 212-746-8415 e-mail copyright © 1997 www.aidsnyc.org