To be nervous of the stigma around kids with SEN

[Phuquocdreams]

Called into school today, they say our son is posing a health and safety risk to himself and others, and they are recommending he is assessed. They mentioned they think he has processing issues and I'm guessing they're hinting at either ASD, or possibly ADHD, I don't know.
Pretty devastated, and worried about his self-esteem, how he's going to get on etc. Also I think there is still a stigma around these conditions isn't there? People judge, and are less likely to want their kids to hang around him. He hits, which obviously is going to turn the others against him - he still has friends but I don't know how long for. I just feel really sad 😥

It is all falling into place a little bit, he has always been completely hyper when I meet friends with kids (although not hitting them) but I always thought that was what high energy little boys were like. He has never liked loud noises (hand-dryers etc) either. Sometimes he drives us to absolute distraction but then other times he's good as gold. I just thought it was something I did wrong (working full-time, changing childcare as a couple couldn't cope, not managing to get him enough sleep, not having strong enough boundaries or enough discipline). Maybe it still is, and we can just do something to make it better, but if it is something else at the heart of it, then you've helped me see that a diagnosis might be the best thing for us. I never want to hear him saying he was born bad again.

I believe it is always better to know, so that you can ensure you do the very best to support.

DS has ASD, severe dyslexia and a host of other additional learning needs. He was fully diagnosed aged 7. He is now 18 and has received an offer for uni!!!!!

Don't think about stigma, think about support and helping him achieve.