Learning Points: Early diagnosis is critical for dealing with ASD

WHEN we decide to have children we never think that our child will be anything but healthy and happy so a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) can really challenge parents and leave them wondering what the future will hold for their child.

In my experience parents can be quite reticent to bring their child for tests because they believe that a label of ASD will mean their child will be treated differently by the myriad systems they have to navigate, such as school and peer group. However, the earlier the diagnosis the better the chance that child has to receive the care and support they will need to flourish.