The Importance of a Diagnosis

While many doctors are reluctant to diagnose a child as autistic, and thus 'label' them, getting an accurate diagnosis is important in getting appropriate treatment for your child. Without an official diagnosis, your child is in limbo, legally and financially. With a diagnosis, doors to treatment open that are locked as long as doctors are 'being nice' to you.

Let me be clear here. I'm speaking both as the mother of a child with an autism spectrum disorder and from my years of experience working in various schools for autistic children and adults. I am not suggesting by any means that you push for a diagnosis that isn't certain. No parent WANTS their child to be diagnosed with a lifelong disorder that will affect everything that they do. There is a tendency, however, among doctors to cushion the blow. Since there are no definitive tests for autism, diagnosis is as much art as science, and doctors would rather not have to tell you that your child is autistic. They may couch it in other terms - your child 'meets the criteria for autism' or 'displays autistic tendencies'. Many will tell you bluntly that they don't want to label your child, because labels have a tendency to stick for life, and if they're wrong, your child may never be given a proper chance. While their concerns are commendable, the truth is that it is far easier to reverse a diagnosis than it is to get one in the first place.

Those doctors fail to take a number of things into account, among them the toll that uncertainty takes. Not having an official diagnosis leaves you in limbo - you know that there's something wrong, but you can't put a name to it. You can't effectively advocate for services for your child from the school department or from other sources without an official diagnosis. Insurance won't pay for certain treatments or special schools that may help your child learn despite his disability unless there's an official diagnosis.

Getting appropriate treatment for your child depends on having an accurate diagnosis.If your doctor is reluctant to give you an official diagnosis, ask him why. Don't be afraid to ask for a referral to a specialist, or to a team for diagnosis. If, in the end the verdict is that your child does NOT have an autism spectrum disorder, thank whatever Powers you believe in, and move on, enjoying your slightly quirky, eccentric child. If, on the other hand, the doctors and specialists agree on a diagnosis of autism, you now have a tool that will help ensure your child the treatment that he needs.