My ASD Child

 "What should we do exactly if we decide to go ahead and get our child diagnosed? We have our suspicions and we think it's probably time to investigate the possibility that he is on the spectrum." Some parents know that there is something “not quite right” with their child – and they may suspect some form of autism – but they delay in seeking a formal diagnosis for fear that their child will be “labeled” (e.g., “If my child gets labeled as having a ‘disorder,’ people will discriminate against him and treat him unfairly”). In addition, schools downplay the diagnosis to give less services and save money. And worse yet, some physicians are afraid to give the diagnosis of High-Functioning Autism (Asperger’s) out of fear of frightening moms and dads, hurting their feelings, or stigmatizing their youngster. Why do some parents resist getting a diagnosis? Here are some possible reasons: I don’t want my child to get lumped into a category. I need him to be “normal.”