2006-08-08 21:56:45 · 6 answers · asked by sheila l 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Sheila - I just answered your other question...
the only reason to be diagnosed with ANYTHING is so you can treat it and treat it properly. Say you have pneumonia. It impacts your life, you don't feel well so you go to the doc to have it diagnosed. The doc says that it's BACTERIAL pneumonia - that is treated differently from VIRAL. The diagnosis determines how you TREAT something. That is the only reason to receive a diagnosis.
That said, WHY you would assess a child for autism is because intervening early with various therapies - appropriate therapies - including speech, OT, PT, ABA, or whatever you and your doc deem necessary, can mean that the child has a healthy chance of making HUGE progress. Without intervention, many children who have problems with their wiring (as autism is a neuro-developmental issue) don't learn how to communicate and interact. They don't learn by osmosis the way most of the world does.
One of the biggest hurdles of assessing a small child is that they are so maleable - they change so much. Docs are hesitant to "label" them with something so dire, but they often do so to INSIST that they receive some sort of services. If someone is suggesting that your child - or a child you know - be assessed, there is CLEARLY a reason and it's in the child's best interests TO BE ASSESSED. Believe me, if you are a parent of a delayed child, it is in YOUR best interests to have the child assessed and helped early on.
Imagine that language and communication is the foundation of a building. If you don't have that foundation until you're 3 or 4 or later, you cannot build upon that foundation...the earlier you get it into place, the better.
Finally, some things "look like" autism to the untrained eye - mere language delays - and they can be worked on. Easier when they're little, believe ME! Don't let your fears for your child hinder their development - if someone is suggesting you go, you should go.
2006-08-08 23:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by marina3029 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Early assessment can make a huge difference in the quality of life for the child and their parents. There are different types of autism, and the degrees vary from mild to severe. Learning, teaching and their abilites should be assesed so that the parent will have an easier time with the child, and the child won't be punished for things that aren't his fault..
2006-08-09 09:02:41 · answer #2 · answered by Imani 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Early detection of Autism is always best and to assess to what degree a child has autism.
2006-08-09 05:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by < Roger That > 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If indeed a child suffers from autism it is best handled when diagnosed at an early age.
2006-08-09 05:02:44 · answer #4 · answered by Jimbo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because early detection makes a lot of difference.
2006-08-09 05:01:38 · answer #5 · answered by jeprx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please see the webpage for more details on Autism and Autisic behaviour.
2006-08-09 05:18:51 · answer #6 · answered by gangadharan nair 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋