On one hand I don’t like how broad the spectrum is regarding autism diagnoses. I think it’s actually hindering research because without more specific diagnoses, certain treatments that work for many but not for others are not getting the attention they deserve because when tested on generally “autistic” children they don’t have the highest rate of success. But in reality if there were ways to break down the autism spectrum even more, then these treatments can be tested on children with a “specific type of autism” and show a higher success rate and therefore become more accepted and accessible by the mainstream.

On the other hand, having that diagnosis really can open doors for more services. We haven’t personally had any “diagnoses” yet. When we were in Nevada, the EI people were really careful about not saying “autism” but here, while I feel we are getting far superior services, they use the term like he already does have the diagnosis. Heck, the organization providing his therapy is specifically for autism. It really stung when I heard the term first used though even though it was not a surprise.