Hi
I have a child with Asperger's Syndrome. For us and for him this getting a diagnosis was important as it helped us have a clearer understanding of our son and for him it made him feel less alone. He told us a few years later that he had felt lonely because he was different from everyone else. After diagnosis he felt that he was not on his own anymore.
I only ask this question as I wanted to see if we were alone in feeling that diagnosis was important for children. I have had conversations recently from people within various professions who have questioned the necessity for getting a diagnostic label as it can be damaging to the child's future, possibly putting limitations on them.
I understand the arguments for not needlessly labelling children and my feeling is that if their condition, whatever it is, is having an affect on their life then it is necessary to get a dianosis so that there is a clear understanding as to why they are having these difficulties and so that support can be more easily directed to meet their needs.
In the ideal world there would be no need for a diagnosis of anything as children would have their needs met on an indivualised basis but unfortunately we do not seem to be anywhere near living in this world.
Let me know your views and opinions. I welcome comments on either side of the argument.
