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Advice on Child Diagnosis

billy_sp

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone could give any advice on the positive benefits of having my son diagnosed for ASD?

He's turned 8 and is just starting to show some mild behavioural issues at school, which has partly been put down to my and my partners separation. He's been occasionally hitting other kids and also his brother, who's just started at the same school. And, although he's pretty bright, he has a hard time initiating and finishing academic tasks. The teachers have been supportive by trying to give him time and encouragement to "de-compress" in the school office, and have recommended play therapy, but ASD is not on their radar at all. When I mentioned it to them, they expressed caution at labelling him. My only concern with labelling is the ignorance and prejudices of other people, which is something he'll probably have to face anyway, and general understanding and acceptance of autism seems to be getting more widespread all the time.

Do you think it would be worth looking into having him formally diagnosed? Or would it be better left for now? He is autistic. It takes one to know one Slight smile

Parents

  • I'm an adult, not a parent, but from everything I've read there's some support for autistic children. It's a bit of a postcode lottery thing, but at least there might be some there. It becomes more difficult as he grows older. 

    As you say, if he is autisitic, he'll have to cope with the prejudices of others anyway. In theory, diagnosis would mean the school has to make adjustments for him. I didn't think teachers are qualified to advise on whether or not a child should be seen by a doctor or psychologist. I wouldn't expect one to tall a parent not to take a child with a broken leg to a doctor in case he was labelled by others for not walking without a splint.

    You're right that knowledge is imporving about autism. 

Reply

  • I'm an adult, not a parent, but from everything I've read there's some support for autistic children. It's a bit of a postcode lottery thing, but at least there might be some there. It becomes more difficult as he grows older. 

    As you say, if he is autisitic, he'll have to cope with the prejudices of others anyway. In theory, diagnosis would mean the school has to make adjustments for him. I didn't think teachers are qualified to advise on whether or not a child should be seen by a doctor or psychologist. I wouldn't expect one to tall a parent not to take a child with a broken leg to a doctor in case he was labelled by others for not walking without a splint.

    You're right that knowledge is imporving about autism. 

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