Autism is a difference and not something to be feared.

For far too long autism has been something that is feared or misunderstood, especially in our community. 

I’ve spoken to parents who do not want to get a diagnosis for their child who they know might be autistic because they don’t want them to be ‘labelled’. 

Some parents don’t even have any idea of the signs of autism, so don’t actually know what they are looking for.

Some parents might also fear a diagnosis because of cultural issues such as the stigma and shame wrongly associated with autism, what other people might think of their parenting skills and because they have been told they need to pray harder and that they shouldn’t claim such things on their child’s life or “speak it into existence” because the tongue is such a powerful weapon.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today but getting a diagnosis for your child is actually not a bad thing. A diagnosis can unlock more services and additional help for your child which is essential because early intervention is key. Research shows that early diagnosis and interventions for autism are more likely to have major long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills.

As much as you might not want to hear this, the truth is that if you ignore the signs and don’t get help and support, that ‘label’ of autism you are so keen to not claim for your child will turn into something else more sinister when they get to school and beyond. Children might be ‘labelled’ as lazy, disruptive or worse when they actually just need extra support to fulfil their potential. Ultimately you are doing your child a disservice.

A lack of understanding about autism plays a huge part in the fear a lot of parents experience coupled with the extremely unhelpful myths that are damaging as well as deeply untrue.

Autism is a spectrum to which there are many different ways it can present in different people but ultimately it is NOT the end of the world. It is just a difference, that is all.

Once we start having more conversations and start breaking down those barriers and taboos associated with autism in our community, we will be able to move to a place where autistic children and adults fulfil their potential.

I’m not for one second saying that the journey is easy, I know first hand how overwhelming it can be but ultimately as parents, it’s your duty to ensure that you have the right knowledge and can put things in place to be able to support your child. We can only start to do that once we accept that it’s a difference and not something to be feared.

If you suspect that your child is showing any signs of autism, please speak to a health professional and arm yourself with as much knowledge from trusted sources about autism.