Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I have just joined the group, and in need of some advice, a quick overview of what we have in place for my child so far
Henry is in Mainstream school with a 1:1 support teacher
he has a occupational therapist that visits him
he has a speech and language therapist
he’s been seen by the school child psychologist
he has just recently been given a EHCP, his needs are social, emotional and emotional dysregulation, which can result in outburst of anger towards his peers and teachers, hitting, kicking, throwing chairs and equipment
the last 2 years since Henry started in his reception class at school have been beyond stressful and upsetting, a constant battle between myself and the headteacher, staff and the school policies, as the school were not acknowledging or addressing his needs, it’s been a massive learning curve these last 2 years for the school as they were not exactly SEN friendly. I considered changing schools many times but Henry always wanted to go and he was forming friendships and a positive relationship with his 1:1 so he stayed.
we have been waiting for well over a year now to get an appointment for his initial social communication appointment to get a diagnosis, the letter arrived 5 days ago, I am now unsure if I want that official diagnosis, or as I call it “labelling”
I don’t want that officials diagnosis to potentially affect his life, as people can be prejudice and have misinformed views of what autism is
So I was hoping for advice whether I should or shouldn’t do it, and if any other parent is in the Same position ?? i have spoken to WESAIL, WISENDSS they have said it would work in Henry’s favour to do it, but im Still not 100% sure
thank you for taking the time to read my message
Lindsay
I also think it would be a good idea to get an official diagnosis. It will give your son more protection and security and he will be legally entitled to reasonable adjustments. I wouldn't worry about the label too much- you can be selective about who to tell about the diagnosis if you are worried (it's true sadly that there is a lot of misunderstanding and prejudice and people might not always understand or have misconceptions). I was diagnosed at age 25 only and I really wish I had known sooner- I think it would have helped me understand myself and would have avoided certain issues and challenges. I knew I was different but I did blame myself for not trying hard enough to socialise etc. and I put the blame on myself. I think it really would have helped to know that I am autistic earlier on.