I don’t actually, and ill tell you why - I
don’t like the term ‘label’ and how it is defined by the people who choose to
ask this question. Its like a dig, an
insult, its like they’re implying I want these ‘labels’ for selfish or
unorthodox reasons.
Autism is not a ‘label’ - My daughter
didn’t get a diagnosis so I could make her wear a signboard of her
difficulties.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is
not a ‘label’ - my daughter didn’t get a diagnosis so that I could excuse her
behaviors.
Anxiety is not a ‘label’ - My daughter
didn’t get a diagnosis to encourage people to be soft.
I could go on forever right? Please insert
any diagnosis and any theory you may have and then listen carefully. These
disorders, disabilities, special needs, extra needs, or whichever other
definition you wish to use aren’t labels, they aren’t excuses, and parents like
me whose children have these diagnoses are sick of hearing people call them
labels. Professionals do it, friends do it, acquaintances do it without any
thought or feeling for how this statement comes across to the people it is
aimed at.
It is hurtful, it is judgmental, and it is completely
unjustified.
People may say, ‘why bother having her
labeled when you are doing everything for her anyway’ or “why do you have to
label her when the school are giving the extra support’ and ‘what’s the point
in a label all it will do is hinder her in the future with prospective jobs or
relationships’ It will NOT hinder job prospects, and it will not hinder future relations, My child is who she is and I am proud of that, she will be proud of who she is too, because i will make sure of it.
Having my child diagnosed (which I sought
out and fought for might I add) wasn’t for the benefit of myself; it was for
the benefit of my daughter and the future she rightly deserves. Having a diagnosis enabled her to have access
to other services she would not have received otherwise. Having a diagnosis
enabled me to help others understand her appropriately and begin to use the
correct strategies for her conditions. Having a diagnosis has enabled me to be
signposted to the correct support groups, and training courses that I wouldn’t otherwise
have been able to access. These ‘labels’ do not hinder my child’s future they
benefit it. These ‘labels’ are needed for support and understanding. Not having
a label will be used against you for obtaining further assessments and
referrals. Even though a diagnosis is not legally needed for obtaining support
and assessments, you WILL be told this because funding is critically low, and
as a diagnosis is proving more and more difficult to obtain therein lies the
problem of the merry-go-round service.
Ever heard a teacher say:
“Im sorry, your child is not diagnosed so
we cant refer her for this assessment”
Or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator say:
“im sorry to be able to have an educational
psychologist assess your child they need to have a diagnosis of X, Y, Z first”
Or a Headteacher say:
“I’m sorry we cannot make an application
for your child for an Education, Health and Care Plan, because she doesn’t have
a diagnosis”
This is NOT true!!!!!
But you see, who are we to question these professionals’
rules? On the start of my journey I was told all of these. All of them are NOT
true. Nothing is based on a child’s diagnosis, but to access the support and
assessments it seems we need them. Even though this isn’t what it states in the
SEN code of practice, it seems that that ‘Label’ is actually necessary.
Please don’t assume that I am labeling my
child for other reasons other than to benefit her future, Please don’t think
that these diagnoses are pointless, they are crucial for being able to access
the correct support, and referrals and other assessments needed to be able to
better our current situation and lifetime opportunities.
Do you feel like this? Have you been in a similar position? Please share your experiences in the comments.
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