Fear of and Necessity for Labels

AndrewC posted this discussion in the guide, before I realised my mistake in how they were written. So I'm just creating this on his behalf so people can respond to the message.

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I know a number of people are put of going for early diagnosis because they fear labelling their child or are not themselves emotionally ready for that label.

Unfortunately, labels can also be necessary/hugely beneficial in accessing the right support services for your child, particularly re education.

Perhaps this would be a good thread for people to share what their concerns were/are about going for diagnosis, and whether obtaining a diagnosis has been positive or negative overall?

Parents

MrsSparrow over 14 years ago

Having been on both sides of the "diagnosis" fence I hope my experience may help someone decide...
When the first concerns about my DS were raised by the HV at 2 I was totally devastated and I went through every other possible specialist to find some other explanation of my sons behaviour before I had the final diagnosis of ASD at 4 1/2. I know I can say here that I felt I had done something wrong for my son to be the way he is. I can say now with pride that he is not at all as I was warned and he delights and surprises me every day (especially with his energy).
Around the same time I has suspicions about my DD (Now aged 9) who was aged 5. She was seen by the paediatriction at the time and I was dismissed as a "neurotic mother" whose daughter was copying behaviour.
16 months ago my DD's school expressed severe concerns about her behaviour and progress and we got an "urgent" referral to the local CAMHS. This week after 3 cancellations she was finally seen and although diagnosis is not yet final we are fighting hard for an aspergers (ASD) diagnosis which her school wholeheartly supports.
I am glad my DS was diagnosed so early as his needs were very severe and I was in total denial of his problems. I am still fighting for a diagnosis for my DD so she can get the support she needs and can start to excel the way my DS has.
I think its totally the parents choice in persuing a diagnosis but after my sons needs were sorted I want my daughters more subtle but no less important needs to be recognised so she can achieve her full potential.
At the end of the day they are still my children no matter what labels are put on them and I will still fight tooth and nail to get them the support they deserve to fufill their potential.
Good luck and remember no decision is the wrong decision if its right for your child
Franks Mum

Reply

MrsSparrow over 14 years ago

Having been on both sides of the "diagnosis" fence I hope my experience may help someone decide...
When the first concerns about my DS were raised by the HV at 2 I was totally devastated and I went through every other possible specialist to find some other explanation of my sons behaviour before I had the final diagnosis of ASD at 4 1/2. I know I can say here that I felt I had done something wrong for my son to be the way he is. I can say now with pride that he is not at all as I was warned and he delights and surprises me every day (especially with his energy).
Around the same time I has suspicions about my DD (Now aged 9) who was aged 5. She was seen by the paediatriction at the time and I was dismissed as a "neurotic mother" whose daughter was copying behaviour.
16 months ago my DD's school expressed severe concerns about her behaviour and progress and we got an "urgent" referral to the local CAMHS. This week after 3 cancellations she was finally seen and although diagnosis is not yet final we are fighting hard for an aspergers (ASD) diagnosis which her school wholeheartly supports.
I am glad my DS was diagnosed so early as his needs were very severe and I was in total denial of his problems. I am still fighting for a diagnosis for my DD so she can get the support she needs and can start to excel the way my DS has.
I think its totally the parents choice in persuing a diagnosis but after my sons needs were sorted I want my daughters more subtle but no less important needs to be recognised so she can achieve her full potential.
At the end of the day they are still my children no matter what labels are put on them and I will still fight tooth and nail to get them the support they deserve to fufill their potential.
Good luck and remember no decision is the wrong decision if its right for your child
Franks Mum

Children

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