Diagnosis, when, and why is it necessary?
Diagnosis, when, and why is it necessary?
Sebagian besar orang tua dari anak berkebutuhan khusus, pernah mengalami keraguan atas seberapa mendesaknya untuk pergi ke dokter atau psikolog, dalam mendapatkan diagnosa yang tepat (mengenai keterlambatan perkembangan anaknya).
This doubt is widespread and is often caused by a lack of information about the importance of diagnosis, a lack of details about competent doctors, the hope that, over time, the child will improve, the cost of seeking a diagnosis, and the parents' unpreparedness to accept reality and get out of their "comfort zone."
Lack of Information About the Importance of Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the initial gateway to improving child development.
Without a proper diagnosis, parents and educators (including therapists) will find it difficult to determine the type of therapy, who will provide treatment, the time needed, and make individual plans for the child's needs. The personal planning of each child differs from one child to another. Therefore an appropriate diagnosis is needed, together with an evaluation of the child's strengths, weaknesses, and each ability target.
That is, diagnosis is the basic foundation for determining what, why, where, and who a child needs to overcome delays, deficiencies, and challenges that he will face in the future.
The earlier the correct diagnosis is obtained, the sooner it is likely that parents and educators will be able to provide the treatment needed, and the greater the chance for success, considering that a child's "golden age" absorption is when he is not yet three years old.
Lack of Information of Competent Doctor
In an era of rampant social media and a pandemic like this, parents need to be more observant in finding information about competent doctors. One way to do this is to join communities on social media that regularly discuss Autism, mainly non-profit communities. Follow the program and ask other parents which doctors they recommend and their experiences. Sometimes it takes more than one doctor to get (and confirm) the correct diagnosis.
Social media has the advantage of reducing the time needed to find information. Generally, other parents are supportive enough to share information if other parents need it.
Communities with apparent and non-profit credibility usually have diverse members. Still, they have the same common thread: they care and want to seek and provide the best for their children.
Time Will "Cure" Children's Delay
In sadness and confusion, sometimes parents choose to do nothing and hope that time will correct the child's developmental delay.
Maybe time will fix the speech delay....
Maybe time will fix the repeated odd behavior. …
Maybe time will make the child want to hang out with other children.
Maybe time will "cure" the developmental differences in their children (compared to other children of their age).
In reality, time alone is not enough. Time is like a double-edged sword. If it is used as early as possible, the results of efforts to deal with Autism will be much better. Conversely, if neglected, the child's chances of achieving optimal development opportunities will also be smaller.
The English proverb, "Better be Safe Than Sorry, " means it is better for us to be alert and act as early as possible than to regret later.
The Cost of Seeking a Diagnosis
It must be admitted that seeking the correct diagnosis from a competent doctor is costly, especially for those who live in big cities.
However, cheap or expensive will be relative because we only need this diagnosis once or twice in a child's lifetime. For this reason, ensure that the consultation process/searching for a diagnosis is done as optimally as possible. Consultation with an expert doctor will be valuable and worth it if parents are well-prepared. Make a list of parents' questions, concerns, and expectations. Record the child's development history in detail but briefly. Do not hesitate to ask basic things that seem simple/trivial. A competent doctor will pay attention and adequately answer every parent's statement and question.
Consultation with an expert doctor will seem "inexpensive" if you, as a parent, get clear answers. This can be achieved if you are ready to ask important questions with well-prepared child data.
If cost is a big obstacle, do not hesitate to ask whether an expert doctor will relieve fees when registering. Of course, you need to prepare a statement of incapacity from the authorities as proof that you need fee waivers.
Accept the Reality and Get Out of the "Comfort Zone"
It is undeniable accepting reality and being reluctant to get out of the "comfort zone" is the most difficult thing to avoid.
Because basically, humans are reluctant to be uncomfortable even for a good thing. It takes strong motivation to do good things, which requires struggle. Strong motivation must also be supported by personnel, facilities and knowledge, and the environment.
Some parents are reluctant to seek the correct diagnosis because they do not feel ready to carry out the education that must be carried out as a further consequence of the diagnosis obtained. That is, they choose to be silent and wait rather than having to accept the reality of working hard to educate their children. They forget that the older the child is, the less opportunity this child has to change and learn optimally. Bad behavior formed into a habit will be difficult to change when a child is a teenager compared to when he was a toddler.
It is better for you as a parent to take the trouble to plant at the beginning and "harvest" later.
If you have difficulty accepting reality, open yourself up and join other parents who have successfully educated and guided their children. There is no need to be discouraged by their success, but imitate the good habits and strategies they apply to achieve their children's success.
In the end, accurate diagnosis is the starting point for achieving the best education for children with special needs, especially Autism.
It's like a ship. An accurate diagnosis is a compass pointing to the direction, where the following education is the sail of a boat to lead to the success of a child with Autism, becoming an independent, healthy, and happy person.
Gayatri Pamoedji
Perth, 7 January 2021