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How important is a diagnostic label for children?

dadof4

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.

 

Parents

  • Our 12 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger's a week ago. I feel a profound sense of relief. My son is a bit more ambivalent but I think with time it will be a comfort to him. I hope so anyway. A diagnosis has already been helpful to us. Our dental practice has recently changed hands and my son, who is unbelievably nervous of going ,has seen three different dentists in as many months. This week, he was given an appointment to see yet another dentist and I was able to explain that he has Aspberger's and simply can't cope with all these changes. I was asked which dentist my son felt most comfortable with and have been promised that he will only see that particular person.

    My brother was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 21. He's now 38. He initially refused to accept the diagnosis because it intensified his feelings of 'being weird' (his words) Over time, he came to be glad of the diagnosis. He has had a lot of mental health issues that he feels he wouldn't have had if he had been correctly supported earlier.School in particular was a huge trial to him.

    Interestingly, my Dad thinks he has ASD but isn't interested in a diagnosis as he's held down a job since he left school and has been married for forty-odd years and feels his life has been successful. It would explain a lot about his parenting style, though! 

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  • Our 12 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger's a week ago. I feel a profound sense of relief. My son is a bit more ambivalent but I think with time it will be a comfort to him. I hope so anyway. A diagnosis has already been helpful to us. Our dental practice has recently changed hands and my son, who is unbelievably nervous of going ,has seen three different dentists in as many months. This week, he was given an appointment to see yet another dentist and I was able to explain that he has Aspberger's and simply can't cope with all these changes. I was asked which dentist my son felt most comfortable with and have been promised that he will only see that particular person.

    My brother was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 21. He's now 38. He initially refused to accept the diagnosis because it intensified his feelings of 'being weird' (his words) Over time, he came to be glad of the diagnosis. He has had a lot of mental health issues that he feels he wouldn't have had if he had been correctly supported earlier.School in particular was a huge trial to him.

    Interestingly, my Dad thinks he has ASD but isn't interested in a diagnosis as he's held down a job since he left school and has been married for forty-odd years and feels his life has been successful. It would explain a lot about his parenting style, though! 

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