Is anyone torn about going ahead with ASD assessment for their child??

[senorita81]

Hi, my son is almost 3 and has been referred for assessment for ASD by the paediatrician.
I feel that he has maybe mild autism, but nothing that I feel I need support with atm.

If I get a diagnosis , there is no going back as it will be official and he's not even 3 yet. Is there any point or benefit to getting a diagnosis? Or could this be in any way harmful?
Is there anyone that regrets getting a diagnosis so early or wishes they had got one earlier?
I just feel he is so young and don't want to label him and perhaps cause difficulties for his life in going ahead with this. Should I wait till he is settled in nursery school and see if any concerns are raised then?
Thank you to anyone for their advice.

It's natural to not want your fears confirmed, but I really can't think of any downsides to going through this process. A diagnosis doesn't change who he is but allows better understanding of the things he finds difficult and how he can be helped. I have found that having a diagnosis makes it much easier for me to push for support. It also helps when you need to talk to for example family members about why their behaviour is different to that of other children. If by causing difficulties for him you are thinking that maybe schools won't want him then look at that as a lucky escape from schools that you wouldn't want to send him to. I do understand the "no going back" feeling but if he had a physical condition such as hearing impairment you'd want it diagnosing.