I have wondered for a long time whether DS1, who's just turned 4, has Aspergers. From the reading I've done online, he displays pretty much all of the main traits (hypersensitivity, social awkwardness/inappropriateness, advanced literacy/numeracy for his age, obsessive behaviour). The main reasons I have held back from investigating are that 1) these traits seem to me to be at the milder end of the scale, and 2) they have generally got significantly better as he's got older. So that now, although he's an unusual little boy, with some problems managing social situations, he generally copes pretty well (going to pre-school at age 3 helped him immeasurably).
Last night, however, I came across an article on the net here (in case you're interested) which frankly could have been written by someone who sat down specifically to describe DS, and I'm now wondering again whether perhaps he is on the spectrum. The other reason I've held off doing anything before is that I was wary of 'labelling' DS when his difficulties are relatively mild. However, this article emphasises how helpful it is to get therapy during the 'crucial' 4-7 years. I'm also thinking ahead to when DS starts school next September; obviously I want to make the transition as easy for him as possible.
So - what I want to know is whether other parents think that an official diagnosis is always helpful? Or can the 'label' be unhelpful in making other children and adults view Aspergers children differently, if they are otherwise coping reasonably well?
I would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks.