Autism and Using Labels
As a parent, you have known for a long time that something is very different about your child, but you can’t put your finger on exactly what it is. So you start seeking answers. You look to medical professionals, and you do your own research, and you are constantly confronted with labels. But which label to attach? And then, should you really attach a label to your child?
There are two quite separate views in society when it comes to labelling conditions and both have their merits.
Firstly is ‘not to label’:
Labelling a child can conjour up negative ideas and emotions, and may create undue stress and anxiety. Parents want the best for their children, and sometimes unsuspecting parents can find it devastating to have a label placed on their child. Labelling a child can place them in a box, and may limit their potential. It denotes them as being different, and if used carelessly, separates them from society. A label may stigmatise a child - mark them as a social misfit or disgrace, and leave them feeling shameful.
The alternative is ‘to label’:
Labelling a child with a condition can give a signpost - or in other words, a place to start. Parents who have spent time desperately searching for answers to their child’s challenges and differences in life often find it relieving to be able to give their child’s way of being a label. The blur of life’s uncertainty starts to clear a little and a path appears ahead. Labels can help to establish a sense of order. They help to point out appropriate support groups, counsellors and treatment options. Labels can also increase awareness in society - hopefully increasing the effectiveness of diagnostic work, and professional studies. A label used in the right way may very likely lead to a more positive environment for a person, and could greatly improve a persons outlook on life.
So it comes down to one question - ‘to label or not to label’?
Choosing whether or not to use a label with your child really depends on how the label will be used. Whilst labels can be destructive they aren’t always bad news if used with great care. Labels used in the right way can ultimately help to improve a child’s quality of life, give them a sense of certainty, and even provide answers to questions they themselves have. But just remember the power of a label. If you choose to use one, avoid anything that is detrimental to your child’s well being. Use a label carefully and selectively and be sure to give it the positive focus your child deserves.
My suggestion - use labels where you need to, but don’t make them your life.
September 29th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
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.
September 30th, 2007 at 1:48 am
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.
September 30th, 2007 at 5:06 am
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!
September 30th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
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!
October 8th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
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.