If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “I don’t want them labeled,” I could pay off my mortgage and still have enough left for a brand new car. Let’s have an honest chat about this.
This sentiment keeps popping up, and I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of it myself. But here’s the hard truth: this isn’t about you. It never was. From the moment the doctor announced “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” the focus shifted. I’m all for a little self-pity from time to time, but burying your head in the sand over labels isn’t helping your child. Do you really think avoiding a label will protect them? Ignoring the reality of their situation is far more damaging.
Your child already carries a label, whether you acknowledge it or not. They might be known as the quirky one, the troublemaker, or the “What’s going on with that kid?” one. Why not embrace the appropriate label? More importantly, why not ensure they receive the right support for success?
Let’s be real: labels can feel like a necessary evil. As dull as it may seem, practicality is essential. Think you can get insurance to cover help without a specific diagnosis? Good luck with that! I struggle to get adequate coverage for speech therapy, and my child has an autism diagnosis. Each year, I have the same frustrating conversation: “Yes, I’m still taking him to therapy and paying out of pocket because he’s still autistic! He didn’t magically recover just because we hit the limit!”
At school, the necessity of a label becomes even clearer. Schools won’t hand out Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) without cause. If you want your child to access the free and appropriate education they are entitled to, you’ll need to accept that label.
I understand where you’re coming from; I was in denial for years, reluctant to face the truth right in front of me. However, once I accepted it, I found a rhythm. It’s not about fixing everything; it’s about finding a way to connect with your child. I started following the unique path that autism laid out for us. Yes, there are plenty of detours and unexpected stops, but I’ve learned to appreciate them. I’ve become more fluent in my child’s language while sharing mine. I’ve learned to see beyond the label.
In short, it’s time to get over our own fears. Every parent wants the best for their child. Maybe that means understanding and working with autism, or perhaps it’s something else entirely. Whatever the case, let’s not add guilt and resentment to the parenting mix.
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Summary:
Accepting your child’s label can be challenging, but it’s essential for getting the support they need. Labels help in securing necessary resources and understanding their unique strengths and challenges. Let’s focus on giving our kids the best opportunities, rather than resisting labels for the sake of our own comfort.
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