Question re. Diagnosis

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2004
Question re. Diagnosis
2
Sat, 12-29-2007 - 12:02pm

Hello all!

 

Avatar for cathby
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2003
Sat, 12-29-2007 - 12:10pm

Hi Joanna,

When I was in your place, we went for the dx. At least in our state (CT), there are certain services and things to which DS was entitled from the dx. (Although he could have used just "pre-schooler with a disability" until K. when he'd have needed something else, we went ahead and got the dx.) As I understand it, some people prefer their kid not be "labeled" -- in our case, we were just calling a spade a spade.

Cathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 12-29-2007 - 1:28pm

Ditto what Cathy said.

Autism is autism whether or not you have the official label. The use of labels is in obtaining services as well as helping folks understand what is going on and how to treat. It may also help him understand himself in the future and may help you understand him as well. For instance, a child with autism will need one kind of intervention while a child who is hearing impaired will need another.

Labels are useful in how they will help obtain appropriate supports for the child. It isn't going to change who he is. If he is autistic then regardless of whether or not he has a label isn't going to change whether or not he has it.

Another thing to keep in mind with regards to labels. As children get older and they are not quite typical, labels tend to be added to them regardless. It is just the label may not always be accurate (brat, nerd, naughty, difficult, bad kid, etc). It can be helpful to make sure the appropriate label is applied and understood before that happens, particularly with peers and even some teachers.

It sounds like his needs are being met currently. However, if you feel he is going to need supports through school it is not neccessary to have a medical diagnosis prior to school but it may be helpful. Schools do their own testing, etc anyway. But if you have that outside paperwork it may get things moving more quickly particularly if he is a more verbal type child.

Was that as confusing as it feels? LOL. Short version, you don't HAVE to get a diagnosis, however, it may help to access supports as he becomes school age. But whether or not he has a diagnosis isn't going to change who he is.

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