Benefits of diagnosis
Why seek a diagnosis of autism or ADHD?
Many parents query the need to seek a diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD?
They question how this might benefit their child, if it may hold them back or cause difficulties for them in the future.
We very much see the benefits of a diagnosis for a young person and will explain why below.
Why seek a diagnosis of autism or ADHD?
As children get older, particularly from about the age of 7 years old, they begin to notices differences between themselves and others. This is a very common point in development and enables us to survive within our tribe.
At this point, many autistic children start to feel that they are different and without a reason for this, tend to internalise and blame themselves for this. This can impact on a child's developing sense of self and self esteem.
Furthermore, a child without the knowledge of their neurodivergence can begin to mask, camouflage and disguise their differences as they feel their differences aren't accepted or acknowledged. Masking excessively has many negative implications including poor mental health, exhaustion, and burnout.
What are the benefits of discovering autism and/or ADHD?
With the diagnosis, you are enabling the person to get a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, positive attributes, as well as challenges, and most importantly, who they are. With this better understanding of themselves comes a greater sense of self, and more positive self-esteem.
By appreciating that their brain works in a unique and different way, the child can begin to understand why certain aspects of their behaviour may appear different to others. They can develop a compassion for themselves rather than imposing self-blame, a sense of failure or shame.
A child can learn about their own unique perception of the world including an appreciation for how they learn and process information around them. This can help them to appreciate what sort of adaptions they may need at school or college or later in their adult life.
Having a diagnosis can mean the child can look back at previous life experiences and clarify why things were difficult e.g. why they were treated differently, or struggled to make friends.
Discovering neurodivergence means the child learning that they are not alone, that there is a whole community of autistic people who may have similar interests, strengths and talents as they do.
On a more practical level, sharing a diagnosis can enable access to different support services, within and outside of school, and ensure that your child’s legal right to a voice are recognised (SEN Code of Practice).
Vlogger, Purple Ella, explains the benefits of getting a neurodivergence diagnosis
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