This school year, thus far, has been a huge learning experience for me. Every day I go into my classroom ready to learn something new.
One thing I can definitely tell you is that one successful technique or strategy used by a person working with one child with autism will not always work with the next child with autism. It is said that autism is a huge spectrum. I believe that it is much more than that. The individuals affected by autism are as unique and numerous as snowflakes in a snowstorm. So, then, how do doctors make correct diagnosis? Research has yet to confirm a true genetic link that would be consistent in every case. So, the current statistics have a level of uncertainty. I know some who are trying to create an assessment piece or technique that can be used across the board to diagnose autism. I believe in their work, but I go into the thought being a little pessimistic. Is it possible to catch all individuals with autism early enough to use early intervention strategies? Early intervention is research proven. These early strategies help the individual reach a higher level of success in life.
As a result of each individual being completely unique, one must really get to know each individual before one can make a definite judgement. For example, my son's doctor does not have a clear picture of who he is. It is impossible for her to observe him in his natural environment and in novel environments in order to make a specific diagnosis. This is where I believe video documentation would have great effects on a doctor's ability to make appropriate diagnosis. I would like to see more parents do this, copy it to a disk, and give it to their doctors.
This technique, along with other diagnostic pieces, could help make diagnosing a more precise art without having to depend on genetics solely.
