Pros/cons of autism dx

[Anonymous]

DS was dx with ADHD years ago and gets the accommodations (and medication!) that he needs. We recently did a reevaluation, where we learned that he's on the edge of an autism diagnosis. He's absolutely had social difficulties and trouble with flexibility and the evaluation found additional difficulties with perspective talking and identifying emotions.All together, the neuropsychologist said, he's on the edge of what can be considered autism vs just quirky. My only goal is for DS to have an accurate understanding of himself, since regardless he'll get the accommodations he needs. I don't think the psychologist will give him an official autism diagnosis unless I agree. What would you do?

[Anonymous]

OP again, adding that my concern is not about autism. I have a level 2 autistic kid. I'm not scared of autism. But I want accuracy and I don't want to be part of weakening autism with a "everyone is autistic" orientation. But I do want DS to understand himself as autistic, if he is.

[Anonymous]

Pros: Insurance pays for more services.

[Anonymous]

It might get him a single room in college.

[Anonymous]

You will stop using "quirky."

[Anonymous]

I mean either he is or he isn't. You agreeing to it feels ancillary. ASD diagnoses are so stupid these days. If the doctor cant decide whether he is or isn't then they should just tell you the facts 'adhd with autistic traits' and then you can tell your kid and they can do with it what they will. Someone urgently needs to fix the mess that is the dsm

[Anonymous]

In 5th grade, my kid similarly on the fence and we said yes. ASD was listed as a diagnosis but in the narrative, the provider made it obvious it was on the border.

When things fell apart in middle school, having the ASD diagnosis in paper helped get more support that was key to getting back on track. The autism program at school was also key for my kid finding a group of “kids like me”.

It also ruled out a number of private school options we considered before sticking with public.

In your case, your kid is already familiar with ASD from their sibling, so I would take that into account when considering how it will help their understanding of themselves- especially if the sibling presents completely differently.

[Anonymous]

To what extent does this neuropsychologist specialize in autism or have experience diagnosing? It's certainly possible your child really is "on the edge." But to me, it seems wrong (I'm sure it does happen) to put it on the parent to decide. The evaluator may be unsure of themselves and not want to give a diagnosis they aren't sure of if it isn't wanted. That has nothing to do with your child and has more to do with the evaluator's confidence in either diagnosing or ruling out autism.