What is your response when a high functioning adolescent with mild ASD features asks for an autism diagnosis?
The response to any child asking for any diagnosis is to explore the reason for the request. Why do they “want” it? What do they imagine would change were they to get the diagnosis?
There are many possibilities. Is it to lessen their own shame about their struggles, as ASD is now a more “acceptable”...
I actually find the rise in adults self-identifying with the autism spectrum to be helpful, not because everyone needs a diagnosis, but because it gives many people a language for experiences that were previously dismissed as “socially awkward,” “too sensitive,” or “bad with relationships.” In my pr...
All good observations around a popular topic. I'll add one more: I think some misunderstanding has resulted from the term "neurodivergent," which, as far as the readings I've seen, has arisen from the lay or non-medical literature (and not that there's anything inherently wrong with that). It is...
Autism has been exploited by parents to obtain “behavioral therapy” that they use as babysitting in many cases. Also, to obtain some benefits at schools.
Well, if they do have symptoms, I would generally go over them, and also the associated impairment. Then I give them the option to get an ADOS and ADI R. I collect all of this if they follow through, then discuss if they met the diagnosis or not.