Hi Lisa,

I’m sure different people react differently to a diagnosis. Personally, I found my diagnosis to be a big relief. It made things in my life make more sense, and it allows me to be more forgiving of myself.

At the same time, I’ve spoken to a few people who feel overwhelmed by a diagnosis, feeling like it’s “just one more thing wrong with me.”

Maybe that has to do with underlying beliefs about the spectrum or one’s self.

I think early diagnosis for children is helpful and important because early intervention programs can be very beneficial.

It may be a tricky balance between having info that can be useful and can explain “why” vs labeling or making excuses. Overall though, I always think transparency is best.