I’ve heard some people say they don’t want to pursue an autism diagnosis for their child because they don’t want to give them that “label.”
The way I see it, my kids’ neurology is not going to change with or without a diagnosis.
But I want my kids to know “who they are” from a young age and learn to love themselves and their unique differences.
If they are autistic, I want them to KNOW what that means. I want them to understand themselves and learn to thrive.
I use the word “Ausome” because that is how I see them (diagnosed or not).
But a diagnosis can help to explain some of the reasoning behind their behaviors and can also lead to additional supports that might not otherwise be available.
Yes, my kids need additional supports. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
I want my kids to love every part of themselves and be proud of themselves.
I want my kids to know that I love every part of them.
But most of all, I want my kids to succeed in life. And I will do everything in my power to make success possible.
And that starts with giving them a positive self-image and ending the stigma of “autism.”