Does the Diagnosis Matter?

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This particular article isn't humorous, but when I read it, I couldn't help but feel like it was written for our family specifically.  The title alone, Should I Get A Diagnosis For My Child With Developmental Delays, caught my attention.  I really could relate to the six reasons given for why parents wait to seek out a diagnosis for their kids.  Particularly the "a diagnosis won't make a difference" reason.

For me, in our journey, I always wanted to know what difference a diagnosis would make for Patty.  Obtaining a diagnosis wasn't going to end with a prescription to correct a problem or save a life.  For me, the diagnosis was just a label put on the situation and I couldn't understand how that was going to make a big difference in anything.  At the end of the day, we were all going to be exactly the same as we were at the beginning of the day, just with a new term to throw around.  You can read about my hostility over labels here.

Am I glad we waited before seeking a diagnosis?  Yes and no.  Patty was just a month or so past her sixth birthday when the appointment finally arrived.  And after receiving the expert's opinion and diagnosis, although it felt like a victory, we really didn't know anything new or different.  Honestly, we still don't know anything new or different, and it's been months since her appointment.  What I do know is that with time, maturity, and outside speech and occupational therapy, combined with the special education help she receives in school, Patty is learning new and wonderful things this school year.  My one regret is not getting her into a good private speech and occupational therapy program earlier. 

If you are on the fence, like I was, about obtaining a diagnosis for your child, don't put off seeking outside therapies.  More than likely, your child won't need a hardcore diagnosis from a specialist to qualify for speech and occupational therapies.  These two therapies alone can and will make a huge difference in your child's progress.  The diagnosis of Delayed Milestones is probably enough to get your child qualified and your pediatrician should be able to refer you for services.  The one hang up may be your insurance coverage, so now is the time to get on the phone and find out if your insurance will cover therapy for delayed milestones. 

When you're scheduling your child's appointments for therapy, ask if there is a kid-friendly rehabilitation department in your area.  Our local hospital/clinic has a department of physical, occupational, and speech therapists just for kids.  It is awesome.  Patty works with wonderful therapists each week and it is, well, awesome.  There's no better way to describe it.  The best part is, I have been able to witness, first hand, the progress Patty is making with the help of these wonderful therapists.

So, to sum it up, I don't really put a lot of faith in a diagnosis.  A diagnosis is really just another word for label.  Labels won't help make a difference for your child with special needs.  But, reacting to a label will make all the difference in the world.