What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s autism diagnosis is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are some of the questions that parents, therapists, and teachers ask about an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis.
Some years ago, I gave a talk to teachers and parents called “Devil or Angel: The New DSM” because the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) had just come out in a new edition (the 5th) and, among other changes, eliminated the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. The DSM is used by providers in the process of diagnosing all mental disorders. Parents and providers were confused by the changes, and many adults with that diagnosis were upset, even outraged. Although the new DSM was written by esteemed psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, to some it seemed like a devilish creation that was impossible to understand. How could they trust the new DSM? So let’s break down the purposes and process of diagnosis.
Most mental health providers will tell you that a correct diagnosis is a necessary first step to providing correct treatment, no matter what the disorder. Just treating symptoms without the “big picture” of a diagnosis may be ineffective. Some providers prefer to avoid diagnosing, with the view that putting a label on a person may be stigmatizing. And indeed, we continue to fight the battle of stigma regarding all mental disorders. Luckily, we have made strides in combatting this problem through education and visibility. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably part of the solution!
Education is key. Do your research using credible scientific sources, read up on the diagnosis, ask questions, and bring to your provider’s attention any symptoms that don’t seem to fit the diagnosis. Your Uncle Bob might tell you, “The kid is just weird,” or “He just needs more exercise,” but unless Uncle Bob has specific training and expertise in the diagnosis of mental disorders (and despite your fondness for Uncle Bob), you might not want to give a lot of weight to his opinion.
Part of the diagnostic method is called “differential diagnosis.” Your provider goes through a process of differential diagnosis when they compare various diagnoses with similar features. For example, are the symptoms more like ASD, or an Anxiety Disorder? Can we rule out the Anxiety Disorder, and state that it is ASD? But wait, there’s more: here we may also get into “dual diagnosis.” Instead of asking, “Is it X, or Y?” the provider may determine that it is both X and Y; for example, the individual has both ASD and a specific anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are relatively common among persons with ASD, as well as ADHD, and depression. An individual may have both ASD and additional specific learning disabilities that often exist outside the ASD diagnosis. A medical evaluation is always important, too, to rule out any underlying physical causes of the symptoms that are present.
You will, of course, discuss this with your provider. However, it is important to know that a diagnosis does not define the whole person. We all have personal habits and preferences that are part of our unique personality. A diagnosis doesn’t make a person good or bad, right or wrong. It is an important aspect of one’s identity, but there are so many more aspects to each of our identities.
Your provider should be open to any questions you may have. After all, they are being paid for the services they provide, so you should be able to request further information. It is always helpful to the provider if you read through any written materials they have given you, and also for you to read science-based research online, through your local library, or credible organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) before coming to them with questions. They will appreciate your motivation and zeal to understand the diagnosis and treatment plan.