Life-Changing Benefits of Diagnosis

So often a diagnosis anywhere on the autism spectrum is discussed in apocalyptic terms. The horror. The doom. Hearts sink and mouths go dry. That, however, was not my experience. Nor does it seem a common experience for people on the spectrum themselves (read some writing by us and you'll see what I mean). Doom is not the experience for all parents either. For many, especially those who have experienced misdiagnosis or who were diagnosed after the first 10 years of life, the feeling accompanying the correct ASD diagnosis is not one of apocalypse and horror, but of revelation and profound relief.

Ignoring the horrific (yes, heart-sinking, mouth drying, please be more sensitive yikes!) choice of words on the part of the reporter, this story from Alaska reports a 13 year old girl's revelation (the girl Elyse is now 17) about being on the spectrum, and how simply knowing the diagnosis and being able to use that new awareness to her benefit, changed her life--for the better!

There are enormous internal, personal benefits to diagnosis. For the autistic individual, self-awareness is one of the necessary keys to effective self-advocacy and to empowerment. Without properly understanding your needs, you can't get them met.

Specific to those of us who were tagged with misdiagnoses such as psychosis, intellectual disability, wanting attention, a personality disorder, etc., finally getting a correct diagnosis can be critical even to survival. I recommend a reading of Wendy Lawson's story.

Especially for those of us who, like Elyse in the Alaska article, spent years thinking we are stupid, or lazy, or broken, or unlikable, such thinking is really bad for self esteem and health. A diagnosis gives the real reason for why a person may struggle in some situations, and that can lift a lot of guilt, confusion, and self-loathing. Self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-esteem can then be built.

There are benefits to parents too--especially those parents who were wrongly blamed (at times by medical professionals even) for their child's behavior. Parents who maybe too felt guilt for doing something "wrong" that lead to their child's struggles. Parents who, given better understanding, are also now empowered to be more effective advocates for their kids, and better able to accept themselves as good parents.

Social stigma against disabilities can cloud the enormous benefits of a receiving a disability label such as an autism spectrum disorder. For many, the label brings awareness, empowerment, and improved mental and physical health. For myself, Lawson, Elyse, and many like us, the diagnosis was not a death but a the start of being able to fully live our lives.