Why does my child NEED an Autism Diagnosis??
There are so many reasons to pursue an Autism Diagnosis for your child if you suspect they are autistic. Autism is not a bad thing or word! I am a big advocate on getting that diagnosis and learning as much as you can about how your child’s brain works and how to support them to live their best life! Let’s talk about why:
Access to supports: Will help identify the need for therapy, accommodations, insurance coverage or qualifying in schools
Understanding: Caregivers, teachers, and therapists can better understand a child’s needs
Self Awareness: Allows a child or person to better understand themselves and their differences which leads to increase in self esteem and acceptance
Self Advocacy: Understanding how their brain operates can set them up to better identify and communicate their needs
Validation: Getting a diagnosis can be validating to parents as well as the autistic child or individual and help them realize they are not alone and are understood
Belonging: Can help them connect with others with similar communication styles and interests along with finding a sense of community
Do not be afraid to get that diagnosis! There is no one way that Autism looks but there are similar characteristics. I often hear, “ I don’t want to label my child.” Unfortunately, autistic kids often get labeled many negative things such as lazy, spoiled, rigid, behavior problem, defiant, difficult, mean, bossy, sensitive, over reactive, disruptive, inflexible, weird, angry, bad, uncooperative to name a few! Better to get them an accurate diagnosis to better explain their needs and them, in my opinion!
