Before my son’s third birthday, he was diagnosed with autism. This revelation came after a period of profound uncertainty and isolation, during a time when a health visitor had dismissed my concerns, suggesting they were a figment of my imagination just before Christmas 2013.
For months, my world had shrunk to the confines of our home, dictated by my son’s severe meltdowns. Seeking support, I reached out to my health visitor, only to be met with skepticism. I was vulnerable, grappling with the challenges of adapting to a new city without the support network of family or friends. Yet, what I encountered was a dismissal that left me feeling utterly isolated and branded as the problem — a notion that my anxiety was the root cause of my son’s distress, undermining the legitimacy of his experiences and my intuition as a mother. This accusation shattered me. Upon confiding in my husband, his outrage mirrored my own devastation. All the advice that championed seeking help now felt like a path to regret. This experience precipitated a decline in my mental well-being, leading me to seek medical help for anxiety.
Yet, less than a year later, the truth we had sensed was confirmed: our son was diagnosed as mid-spectrum autistic. This journey underscores a pervasive issue many parents face — a stigma that wrongfully assigns blame and fosters doubt. It’s an injustice to feel compelled to defend your child’s needs and your capability as a parent.
Trust your instincts — parents are often the first to notice when something feels a bit different in their child’s development. Maybe it’s missed milestones, unique play patterns, or subtle behaviours that raise questions.
In Conclusion
If you’re seeing patterns that don’t align with typical development, it’s not about labelling your child — it’s about understanding their needs so they can thrive. Write down what you’re noticing, talk to your paediatrician, seek a specialist evaluation, and lean on support networks. Educate yourself and remember: early action can make a meaningful difference. You know your child best, and trusting your gut is a powerful first step.
