Diagnosis? What's the point?

So I find myself answering this question ALOT lately.  I also find that I'm hearing more people say "oh, everybody is getting some diagnosis of something or other", "everybody is 'on the spectrum now', "I don't want my child labeled", "I don't want my child to 'become' the diagnosis", "what difference does it make if we put on paper 'what' a child has?".......Whew, makes my head spin.  I know it might surprise you, but sometimes when I hear these things (depending on who is saying them or where I am) I just let the statement go without comment....SURPRISED?  I bet, especially for those who know me really well! :)  Anyway, sometimes it just isn't worth getting into the meat of the matter with someone.  The times I will ALWAYS answer or make my opinions known is when I'm asked by a parent who has just been told that I, or some other professional, thinks that their child may indeed have __________.  So here, in no certain order, are my answers....(1) a diagnosis gives us "someplace to go" a "map" if you will.  It allows us to move forward thoughtfully, with a goal in mind without having to "wonder" what is wrong or what treatment techniques will work (2) a diagnosis gives families support...much needed support. I was told once,by one of my parents whose child has Down Syndrome, that going to the Down Syndrome support group gave them "hope."  Seeing children at various ages and stages of the diagnosis allowed them to set reasonable goals for their child AND gave them "hope" for the future.  It alleviated anxiety! Imagine that!  A diagnosis alleviating anxiety...(3) a diagnosis gives those working with our children more information on how to teach them, coach them and HELP them. It DOES NOT limit them as one initially thinks.  For example (borrowed from a real life example of a friend who is a coach) as a coach, knowing that a child has a diagnosis of Autism may actually help that child reach their FULL potential as a ball player etc..HOW ? because the coach KNOWS how to help them then. They would KNOW that they would need to prepare them for changes, explain plays in a different ways, teach new skills in a different way etc....by keeping this a "secret" from a coach you MAY actually be doing more harm than good and keeping your child from having a positive experience in a "typical" peer group activity (something that children on the Spectrum SO desperately need). (4)a diagnosis CAN offer financial support.  For many of our children, therapy is an ongoing and MAJOR expense.  Insurance companies are more likely to pay for therapy services if there is a diagnosis. (5) a diagnosis, as our children grow, gives THEM understanding of what makes them tick.  It allows THEM to navigate more appropriately and easily.  It helps them know their limitations and their strengths.

 Certainly not an exhaustive list but these are some of my top reasons why a diagnosis needs to be made. My hope is that eventually, we see a diagnosis as a positive thing and not a negative thing.  I think education is the key and I certainly will do my part to try to make this a reality.  My hope is that we will become more comfortable and accepting of a diagnosis and see the POSSIBILITIES it offers us instead of the IMpossibilities.