Should I have my child assessed for autism?
Whether to seek an autism assessment for your child can be a challenging, emotionally-charged decision to make. You may have concerns that your child is developing differently, and want certainty and support, but equally be worried about the outcome, the process, or even the potential stigma involved.
Trust your instincts
The decision to seek an assessment often starts with a gut feeling that something is different. As a parent, you know your child best, and you’re likely to be the first to notice signs. Trusting your instincts is a critical first step.
Common signs of autism in young children include:
Social communication differences: Avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, or not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling.
Different ways of playing: Being more interested in objects than people, lining up toys, or not engaging in pretend play.
Sensory sensitivities: Becoming very upset by certain tastes, smells, or loud noises, or being fascinated by lights or movement.
Repetitive behaviours: Flapping hands, flicking fingers, or rocking the body.
These traits can be seen in children who are not autistic, but if you notice them in your child on a persistent basis, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your GP or other healthcare professional, such as a health visitor.
There are many benefits of an autism diagnosis
For many families, a formal diagnosis can be a transformative step toward greater understanding and a more supportive life for their child. For others, it can also come as a huge relief to ‘finally have an answer’.
Access to support: A formal diagnosis can be a key that unlocks vital services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural interventions. It can also help secure support for your child’s education, for example with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Better understanding: A diagnosis can help you and other family members better understand your child's needs, motivations and strengths. For example, where a child's challenging behaviour may have been viewed as "naughty", post-diagnosis it can be seen an expression of their autism, which is much less frustrating for everyone.
Early intervention: Research shows that early diagnosis, coupled with intervention, can have a hugely positive impact on a child's developmental outcomes and long-term wellbeing. The early years are a crucial time for brain development and tailored support helps builds a strong foundation for developing future skills and self-confidence.
Informed advocacy: A diagnosis arms you with knowledge, so you’re better able to advocate for your child's needs. Being well-informed, you can make sure appropriate accommodations are made, in school, healthcare and other environments, to help your child thrive.
Reduced stress: Arguably, the process of getting a diagnosis can be stressful in itself, particularly where there’s a long wait for an assessment or hoops to jump through to secure one. But, ultimately, knowing the reasons for your child's struggles can make navigating them feel a lot less difficult and isolating.
Consider the potential risks and challenges
Seeking an autism assessment for your child has many benefits, but there are potential challenges involved.
Long waiting times: Accessing an NHS autism assessment can be a lengthy process. Children often remain on waiting lists for several months or even years before they can be assessed. Some families opt for a private diagnosis instead. This can be costly, but can usually be completed much more quickly.
Risk of misdiagnosis: Autism presents differently in different children. This is particularly true for girls, who may be more adept at "masking" their traits. Making an accurate diagnosis is challenging and raises the risk of misdiagnosis. To minimise this risk, it’s important to be sure all the professionals involved in your child’s assessment are appropriately qualified and the process follows NICE guidelines.
Stigma and labelling: You may worry that a formal diagnosis will ‘label’ your child, leading to stigma or unfair treatment. Autism is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, which means it’s against the law to treat an autistic person differently. But prejudice is still a valid concern for many families.
Emotional impact: The diagnostic process can be emotionally taxing for the entire family. You may find yourselves grieving for a ‘typical’ childhood and feeling you need to adjust your expectations for the future. Connecting with others in your community and in support groups can make a big difference at this time, particularly with discovering the many positives sides of neurodiversity.
Making the best choice for your child
There’s no correct answer here; the decision is a personal one for every family. To help you make the right choice for yours, we recommend you consider these questions:
What is your primary motivation? It might be for a better understanding of your child, or to access specific support services.
What are your local options? Research local NHS waiting lists and the availability of private services near you.
Who else can you speak to? Consider talking to other parents you know or joining online support groups, to learn from their experiences.
How does your child feel? If your child is old enough, involve them in the discussion and explain what an assessment is and how it works.
Ultimately, an autism assessment is a tool to help you better understand your child's world. Whatever you decide to do, the journey is about celebrating your child’s unique identity and finding the best ways to support them to feel safe, able to reach their full potential, and be who they really are.
If you’d like to chat to our lead clinician, John about your child and whether an autism assessment would be appropriate for them, please feel free to contact us.