“A diagnosis helps everyone around the child to understand why they might act a certain way, and then they can change their reactions,” Hartman says. An early diagnosis marks the beginning of an autistic child’s journey toward self-understanding and self-acceptance. “Other children who do not receive such understanding or who are stigmatized and made to feel lesser than because of their autism can experience significant mental health issues in later life,” Hartman adds.Ī correct autism diagnosis allows an autistic individual to understand their identity and link them to a community with like-minded people.
GETTING AN AUTISTIC CHILD TO NOT BE FOCUSED ON SOMETHING HOW TO
“All children grow and change in their own individual ways, whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent,” Hartman says.Įarly diagnosis teaches children how to understand and embrace their autism as a vital part of who they are so they can advocate for themselves and learn how to cope with some of their sensory challenges. While one 2014 study noted that mothers of autistic children were more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the research was limited to white professionals and not indicative of the general population.īeing autistic does not change as children get older: If a child is autistic, they will remain autistic.
In addition, other research from 2009 indicated that mothers of autistic teens were more likely to have higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Research from 2009 shows that mothers of autistic children, who tend to be a child’s primary caregiver and decision maker, experienced more stress and fatigue than mothers of children without ASD. They might not know how best to support their child, or whom they can trust regarding support. In Buerkens’ experience, oftentimes families feel guilty for having a range of emotions regarding their child’s autism diagnosis, including fear, anxiety, and frustration. When a child receives an autism diagnosis, some caregivers may not be able to get appropriate support for their child due to their location, availability of services, or financial situation.
“Parents know that something is developmentally off track with their child, and they’re also dealing with a lot of other challenges on a daily basis,” Buerkens says. Nicole Buerkens, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, says that parents of autistic children often feel overwhelmed and underprepared - even before a child is diagnosed. “Some autistic people need more support and may not live independently, but they are just as equal a human being as anyone else.” “Autism is a valid neurotype, and autistic individuals are valuable members of society,” Hartman says. When a child receives an autism diagnosis, family members can make accommodations for the autistic child and provide them with support services and educational strategies. Hartman’s work as the clinical director of the Adult Autism Practice and co-director of Dublin’s Children’s Clinic focuses on identifying the strengths of autism and the benefits that neurodivergent people can offer society. They exist from the start.ĭavida Hartman, PhD, a child psychologist and adjunct professor at the University College Dublin School of Psychology, says an autism diagnosis can be viewed as an affirming experience. These challenges do not suddenly appear when a child gets their diagnosis. Neurodivergent children and their families face can certain environmental challenges and societal stigma as they navigate a world designed for neurotypical people.
0 kommentar(er)
