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Autism/benefits of a diagnosis

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Expert: - 10/17/2007


Question
My spouse and I are a bit at odds about having our daughter looked at clinically.  We are quite knowledgeable about ASD and are both agreed that she fits somewhere in the Spectrum.  Since starting school (and being the youngest in her classes) it has become apparent that strategies are needed to help her cope with her lack of social skills.  However, I worry that a diagnosis will only serve to separate her even further from her peers.

She is such a sweet girl and other than 'quirks' of (what is likely an) ASD, she is very normal.
Do you have any advice regarding pros/cons of diagnosing?
We live in Canada.

Answer
Hi Kristy,

I agree that diagnosis can feel like a two-edged sword. We know that labels, used incorrectly, can limit children.

However, the social issues of children on spectrum increase with age as the skills required become more complex. She needs early intervention to help her catch up and cope. Avoiding diagnosis will not protect her from the cruelty of other children. Bullying is a real problem for spectrum kids, diagnosed or undiagnosed.

I am unfamiliar with the Canadian education system. Since you have a socialized medical system, she should be able to receive treatment, after diagnosis, through that system. I assume the schools will also make accommodations and set up an education plan to incorporate them into the classroom.

Many children on spectrum have other learning issues besides social skill deficits. Some are ADD, some have sensory integration issues, some are dyslexic, etc. A thorough evaluation would uncover some of these issues as well so that they can be dealt with in a proactive manner.

On the whole, I would encourage you to seek an assessment. Much can now be done to help ASD kids to function in the world. The sooner it is begun, the better. I have seen far too many kids whose parents are in denial (not you) who are totally lost and overwhelmed. Better to face up to it and meet it head on than to wait until they are hardened in their quirky ways and unable to absorb the information.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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