Comments on: Autism and Using Labels

By: DrLareau

DrLareau — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:12:33 +0000

As the father of an Aspy I have watched my son go through about two dozen different labels. As long as we don’t view labels as an “answer” or the end of the story I think it’s OK. As a retired physician I recognize that a person’s diagnosis can change. I also know that a mis-diagnosis can be harmful. I think the most important thing is to use an empirical method. Try something. If it works keep using it until there is no more benefit. If it doesn’t confer any benefit then stop using it. I have watched the concept of autism change over the years from a preliminary definition of schizophrenia to a learning disability to a mere anatomic variation in the distribution of white matter in the brain. Many people with Asperger’s do not consider themselves sick or ill or disturbed, but a lot of the public does, which is why care is needed.

By: Angela

Angela — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:06:52 +0000

Exactly!
But sometimes positive labels can be good.
People might say I am a lonely, excentric, quiet, odd person, and I say: Look I am an artist!
and everyone goes: Ah!

By: Elissa

Elissa — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 05:06:34 +0000

That’s so often the problem with labels - people see the label rather than the person. I guess we need them though, especially to help get services and assistance for our children. It’s true, the best thing is to be able to get to the point where we don’t rely on them!

By: Marla

Marla — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:48:55 +0000

I am finding your blog very interesting. I can totally relate to so much of what you are writing. We have done lots of diet stuff too. Mostly when Maizie was younger. What a battle it often was! We are no longer on the gluten diet but Maizie does take Omega 3 and many other vitamins that I think have helped. The diet changes never seemed to make any difference. I am so glad you see it helping your child. I will be checking back to see how you are doing. I love your suggestion. That is what we have done for the most part. For public schooling a label was necessary or she did qualify for any help. For our daily lives, now that we home school I find we rely less on labeling and are able to focus more on her positive skills and behaviors. There is so much controversy over labeling. I agree parents love their children and do what they have to do to get help. If it requires a label we work to get it. I go around and around with it in my mind though and wonder how it affects our daughter.

By: Casdok

Casdok — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:51:44 +0000

I agree with your suggestion.
When my son was first diagnosed, i found a label helpfull.
But as he has got older, i find it dosnt really help. So i only use a label if i have to. People usually see the label not the person.