Autism spectrum disorders nowadays can be diagnosed with more precision than ever, mostly because there’s a lot of information and tools to help with the correct diagnosis. However, in previous decades it was hard to find the reason for the atypical behavior in children and adults alike. This situation is the reason for many late diagnoses in adults, and even wrong diagnosis and treatments for the wrong condition that they had to stand while growing up.

For some individuals, dealing with struggles in their lives because they can’t choose a proper reaction and have difficulties to engage with the people around them is quite common. Finding that they are within the spectrum is a relief, as it helps them learn how to handle their conditions, that way their lives can improve significantly.

Why many children are misdiagnosed?

There is not a single cause for this. It depends on how they behave, what symptoms they present, and if their parents and teachers are paying attention to their development and interactions with other children. Also, because we are talking about a spectrum with so many different conditions and symptoms, it can be hard to place every single one of the children into it.

Since 2013, thanks to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, professionals, teachers, and parents have found a guide to place the array of symptoms associated with autism. And with it, the diagnosis has become a group effort to find the best course of action for children and help them integrate to their surroundings.

But for many kids who grow up undiagnosed and became adults, this lack of proper diagnosis became a burden; they grow with an odd feeling of not belonging, they are criticized for their natural behaviors and feel like outcasts, especially during their teenage years. With the new technology and procedures, a lot of people have been finding a correct diagnosis, starting a treatment to ease their problems, and help them interact with society.

As more people begin to understand what the ASD’s really are, there will be fewer misdiagnosis and children will find a way to develop their full potential. That is the reason why parents and teachers must work closely, ask each other if something looks out of the ordinary, be very aware of the children habits and interactions, and observe their reactions to find symptoms that will indicate some condition or behavioral aspect.

As parents, we should never be afraid to seek professional guidance and ask as many questions as are necessary; after all, your kids deserve the best in the world, and living within the spectrum is not necessarily a negative thing: it’s just the beginning of a wonderful journey with its ups and downs, with sacrifice and rewards, that will prepare them for the future ahead.

Come to Autism Soccer, where we offer excellent programs for the development of your children and a place for them to be comfortable and happy.