I recently met a family dealing with significant internal conflict. Their youngest child, a five-year-old, exhibited several signs of ASD. The tension within the family was palpable. While one parent was advocating for an ASD diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the other flatly denied the possibility, asserting, “My child isn’t autistic.” Caught in the middle are their three older siblings, who seem neurotypical but are now being pulled into this family dispute.
What can be done when parents are so divided? It's crucial for both parents to align, especially if the child is facing a potential level 3 ASD diagnosis—a scenario that demands a unified front and a team-based approach.
From my own experience, it's beneficial to let the healthcare process take the lead when parents are unsure. This begins with consulting a pediatrician, who can perform initial screenings and potentially refer the family to a developmental pediatrician if needed.
Conversely, some parents may rush toward a diagnosis without following the necessary medical procedures. Encouraging these parents to adhere to a systematic approach is just as important. Relying on informal online ASD assessments can be misleading and unhelpful.
The fear of their child being labeled and feelings of guilt, possibly due to the genetic components associated with ASD, are common among parents. However, neither guilt nor denial benefits the child. Focusing on a structured, professional evaluation process is the most supportive approach a parent can take.
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