2 September 2015

It's Not a Label


When your child is diagnosed with Autism it isn't the end of the world, in fact I found it to be quite the opposite actually. I felt such relief and yes there were tears of sadness but there were also tears of joy. Joy that as a parent I was right! I knew that my child didn't conform to the norm and there's nothing wrong with that at all. Having a diagnosis is not a label, if anything frankly it makes life that little bit easier for the other half and I, and Logan. We understand what's going on and can make allowances so everyone has a happier and easier life.

Without a diagnosis I fear Logan would be singled out as a naughty disruptive child when really he lashes out through fear and when he feels he's being attacked in some way. A big part of autism is having a lack of social and communication skills and since this is a massive part of life in general it really is quite a scary thing to comprehend. I've seen what it can be like for an adult with autism so for a child who has to trust and put their faith in someone to help and guide them must be terrifying.

With a diagnosis of autism I feel that, as a parent, you are taken more seriously when you have concerns, support is requested and provided for in nursery/school, other parents have a better empathy and understand (especially when your child lashes out). There's nothing to hide or be ashamed of so I tell everyone (within reason) that my son is autistic so that they are prepared in some sense when he does something out of the ordinary. A whole support network of parent groups and learning courses etc are opened up to you and it's refreshing to meet other parents who's children have been diagnosed with autism too. Having a diagnosis is not a label, it's a form of help and support and hopefully an acknowledgment of understanding from others.

As a blogger I've been lucky enough to have different opportunities and most of these involve Logan. Recently Logan and I were asked to review some children's theatre shows at the Edinburgh Festival and before Logan's diagnosis I would have probably turned this down. However with the diagnosis came help and support for me as a parent as well as Logan and we've come such a long way as a family. For this reason I don't feel afraid anymore when taking Logan out and about. I try to be prepared as much as possible for any eventuality although sometimes you can't be and you just have to go with it. Yes there's always going to be difficult times, it's just going to be that way which I've accepted now, but having a diagnosis meant that taking Logan to see some children's theatre shows was easier. I felt confident, I walked right to the front of the queue at each show to speak to the staff on hand, explained Logan had autism and asked if it would be ok if we could walk in first to get a seat near the exit so that if things did get a bit too much for him we could leave sharp. Most of the staff were more than happy and were very helpful. Some of the staff didn't have a clue but I was very persistent and this won out in the end.

Before Logan was diagnosed the other half and I were quite often at a loss when it came to his behaviour. One minute he was fine and happy, just like any other child, the next he would be taking massive meltdowns over small things (this is what it seemed like to us) and the world was ending. We didn't know whether we were coming or going when it came to Logan and his moods/ behaviour could change at a moments notice. With diagnosis came support from the health professionals and the other half and I were invited along to several different support groups for parents. These support groups were invaluable and helped us to gain a better understanding of autism and what it meant for helping Logan.

What I'm really trying to say is don't be afraid, be empowered to do what's right by your child. Yes it's hard, I completely understand that. When your child has additional support needs sometimes you feel lost, confused and just plain exhausted. Sometimes you even feel embarrassed by what other people think but don't be. You're doing a great job so don't give up. With the right help and support things can get easier.

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6 comments on "It's Not a Label"

Giftie Etcetera on 8 September 2015 at 12:29 said...

I feel like you need a hug. I am the mom of a child with special needs (epilepsy and sensory processing disorder), and the diagnosis was a relief for us. At least we know where to start now.

Found you at #TwinklyTuesday

The Breastest News on 8 September 2015 at 22:20 said...

Giftie Etcetera - Thank you lovely. It's hard sometimes but as you probably know life goes on and as a parent you just have to deal with it :) We'll all get there in the end.

Unknown on 12 September 2015 at 11:24 said...

Aah bless you. I love the fact you're seeing the positives, where some people would just draw on the negatives. Such a good way to approach it because it will make things so much easier in the long-run. Well done mama — you're doing a great job xx Thanks so much for linking up with us #TwinklyTuesday

Caro | www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk

The Breastest News on 12 September 2015 at 11:35 said...

Caro Davies - thanks for your kind words :) It's difficult to find the positives sometimes when things get tough but as a family we'll get there and support each other :) xx No worries, thanks for having me.

Emma on 7 September 2017 at 21:40 said...

Great advice! Love the point about labels which I've also had other people say particularly with regards to how the kids and their parents in question are treated by / understood by other people. People like you pave the way for other people by going to theatres etc or wherever you've been invited.

Random Musings on 8 September 2017 at 02:20 said...

I think once you've got a diagnosis, you know where you stand and can start looking into ways to help and support Logan which must have been a big relief
Debbie

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