A Diagnosis is More Than Just a Label
An accurate diagnosis can open the door to treatment, resources, and support.
A diagnosis can help people find their cohorts, which in turn helps them to feel less alone.
Social stigma vs. support system
Understandably, sometimes parents and caregivers are anxious about pursuing an assessment or diagnosis for their child because they are afraid of their child being labelled: Afraid of teachers or peers making assumptions about their child and not giving them a chance. There is, of course, this risk with any diagnosis.
Unfortunately, ADHD and other conditions do come with stigma, preconceived (usually ill-conceived) notions and assumptions. As I wrote in another article, stereotypes and misconceptions about ADHD abound and are harmful.
Neurodiversity refers to variations between human minds occurring naturally within a population, and includes conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, and dyslexia, among others.
That said, if a child is struggling enough in their life that parents are considering intervention, then I would posit that some teachers, adults, and peers may already…
