[Informing a Child About His Illness in HIV Infection: Words and Meaning]

The account of the medical and psychological treatment of Pascal over a period of three years shows the complexity and the stakes of the problem that families and the medical core are faced with when confronted to a child infected by the HIV: to talk of his infection or his illness. How do you approach the problem with an 8 year old child? What do you answer to his questions without the risk of triggering an unbearable death anxiety for him and his family? Starting with a lie, Pascal's mother will progressively realise the intrication of her own internal conflicts (that go back to her childhood) with her present suffering. She thus becomes able to look at her son's illness properly and discuss it with him in a healthy and natural manner. The question of whether to disclose his diagnosis to a child is discussed; some recommendations are suggested.