Expert: Trey McGowan - 1/18/2008

Question
Hi, my son is 8 years old, and was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2.  
Although, there are some areas of concern, he sometimes really seems just
like the typical child.  He hasn't needed extra help in school since grade 1,
and then was very minimal, at this time he is doing exceptional in school in
all areas.  I wonder sometimes if he would even show up as having Autism if
he was screened again.  Is it possible for his diagnosis to have changed?  He
did have alot of intervention from the age of 2.  Do you think it would be
worth it to have him looked at again.

Answer
Hi there, Rhonda!

The answer here's a tough one. I don't know the level of diagnosis your son had, nor do I know what he was diagnosed off. However, early intervention can do a lot to help out the autistic child and help them adapt to an ever-changing world. And in 'helping out', it may very well have removed a lot of the obvious symptoms of autism.

The thing is, autism is not something that just 'goes away'. He may well have adapted very well to it, and it's not something that shows, but he still looks at life from a 45 degree angle to most folks. He's just learned to adapt to it and work around his issues.

I believe that rather than looking to get him reevaluated, the best thing you can do as a parent is to continue dealing with him as you always have. And by keeping that title, while you may well be uncomfortable with having it, it is a support for him later in life for when and if things *do* go a little haywire.

Schooling isn't a place that all autistics need help with. Just because he is doing well in school doesn't mean that he's not autistic. The big issue for autistics is in social situations, which is why it tends to show up in schoolwork: they are having issue with the *people*, rather than the *classes*.

So, really, in short? If you want to get him reevaluated, then by all means: you can do so. But I think more importantly is for you to accept the fact that autism is something that is lifelong, and that your son is not going to simply 'grow out of'. He just learned to adapt, and for that, you both are to be commended. He is no better or worse than anyone else because of this; he is simply different and needs to learn to get around. Dropping the title won't cause anything but the possibility of later issues without support. He will be the same person either way.

My heart goes out to you. If you have any questions, comments, feedback, or whatever, feel free to send them!

Trey