Many parents worry that if their child is formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it will change everything in their day-to-day lives. While a diagnosis can bring about change, many parents don’t realize that it will be a positive change for their child and their family as a whole.
At No Limits Pediatric Therapies in Bentonville, AR, our mission is to support children in reaching their full potential. Today, I want to address what an autism diagnosis really means for your child and how it can be a positive step towards their growth and development.
Should You Hesitate to Get Your Child Diagnosed?
I’ve heard from many parents who are worried that getting an autism diagnosis will make it “real” that their child has something “wrong” with them. They worry that the label will follow their child around for the rest of their life. What I tell them is, that is not the case.
An autism diagnosis does not change who your child is or what they are capable of achieving. It is simply a tool to help you and your child get the support they need. Think of it like getting a diagnosis of nearsightedness from your optometrist—that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to see clearly, it just means you’ll need to get glasses to help you see clearly.
An autism diagnosis helps identify the specific ways in which your child experiences the world and gives you access to support that will ultimately help them thrive.
An Autism Diagnosis Opens the Door to More Support
Once your child has an official autism diagnosis, accessing services and support becomes much easier. Schools, pediatricians, and pediatric therapists can better tailor their approaches to meet your child’s needs.
The diagnosis helps educational and healthcare teams understand how to support your child’s growth and development effectively. With this knowledge, they can create an individualized plan that addresses your child’s unique strengths and challenges. The label isn’t the goal. The goal is to understand how best to help your child, and the label brings more understanding.
The Label “Autistic” Does Not Have to Be Permanent
It’s also important to know that the label “autistic” does not have to be permanent. Children can be re-tested if they are no longer showing signs or symptoms of autism in the future. The diagnosis is not meant to limit your child’s opportunities but to provide them with the necessary tools and support. It’s a dynamic process that can change as your child grows and develops.
The Right Therapy Can Make a World of Difference
Pediatric therapy is designed to help children achieve their developmental goals. With a proper diagnosis, our team can better adjust our approach to meet your child’s specific needs. Whether it’s physical, speech, occupational, or feeding therapy, having a clear understanding of your child’s diagnosis allows us to provide the most effective interventions.
The right therapy, expertly applied, can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to reach their milestones and succeed in all aspects of their life.
Reach Out to No Limits for an Evaluation
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, or if they’ve been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, our team at No Limits Pediatric Therapies is here to help. Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 for a free 15-minute developmental consultation. Our experienced therapists are here to provide the support your child needs to succeed with no limits.
About Terrica
Terrica Weatherford, MSOT, founded No Limits Pediatric Therapies in 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012. For over 13 years, Terrica has been committed to helping neurodiverse children (and those who need extra support) reach their full potential. She founded her practice to ensure she could provide exceptional care for children and their families.
