As I’ve written before, no one likes to be labeled. Labels often limit a person. However, after reading the January 16, 2018, Autism Society of Indiana e-newsletter, I can see how a label can be helpful and even necessary in order to get a child with autism all the assistance he/she needs to receive the best education possible.
According to this article, which was written with the assistance of Susan Crowell, Autism Society of Indiana Rural Outreach Ally, two separate labels are needed to provide the greatest support for children with autism. Those labels are the educational evaluation label and the medical diagnosis label. The education label is conducted by the local school system and defines what kinds of assistance the child with autism will receive in the school environment. Providing by a physician, the medical diagnosis label affects how the health insurance of the parent/legal guardian of a child with autism will pay for services. This includes private insurance, insurance through an employer, and Medicaid. (Always check with your insurance company/benefits guru to determine what services are covered.)
It is important to remember that a medical diagnosis cannot be used to receive educational assistance from a school system, and, likewise, an educational label is not useful for an insurance provider.
While some parents/caregivers might be uncomfortable providing an educational label to their child with autism, it is important to remember that a child can never have enough people who support and care for him/her. It takes professionals and caring people of all backgrounds to help any child reach his/her potential, but this is most definitely true for a child with autism. Remember, the label of autism is just one aspect of a child.
As far as the medical diagnosis, children with autism often have other issues affecting their lives. To have a complete picture of a child with autism can help medical professionals refer a child with autism to certain specialists.
If you would like to talk with me about touch therapy for your child with autism, please contact me at 812-264-5482 or caringtouchmassage@yahoo.com.
Caring Touch Massage, LLC 