Autism: Hard Things and Good Things About a Diagnosis (Copy)
/Okay, you are headed for an evaluation to rule out autism...
Maybe you’re thinking, "Is this really happening?
Yes, this is really happening and this is part of the really hard part. The process of realizing your child is having a difficult time and may have autism is different for everyone. This is a personal process that has no time limit, or one “right” way. However, there are some universal emotions that come into play in the search for peace and hope. First, there may be some denial and isolation. Mixed in there might be a bit of anger. There may be some depression, too.
You may ask, “How is a diagnosis going to help any of this??? What good will come out of this?”
The main “good thing” that can come from a diagnosis of autism is that it will provide you with helpful information and will open doors to support for you and your child. Support may include early intervention, educational services, and private therapies. Most of these are free services. You do not have to take advantage of all the services, you can pick and choose. But with an autism diagnosis, the services are there if you want or need them and chances are you are going to need them at some point.
It is a hard road to accepting that you’re child needs help. But, good things do come from an autism diagnosis. Once all the feelings that come with having a child with autism find a place to rest in your heart, a diagnosis of autism brings with it the supports your child needs to flourish and reach her or his highest potential. There is so much the world can offer a child on the autism spectrum. So much that will help him or her have a happy, fulfilling, productive, wonderful life.
My wish is for every family to have the resources they need to reach a place of peace and hope. My wish for every family is they have good information to find their way.
Here's to Bright Futures for all children!
#Autism