DS13 really struggled to accept the ASD label, initially. But now he makes jokes about it--if he's having trouble with something that appears related, he'll say, "I'm just so autistic!" We have also identified several friends/family members who (at the least) fit the "broad autistic phenotype," and since they are all people DS really enjoys, that helps.
We also have frequent discussions about how this is just language that describes certain traits and is not the sum whole of personhood.
I love that your DD can be humorous about his diagnosis! And I am taking and running with the concept that a diagnosis is a "language" that describes traits. What a great way to state that.
DH says at this point the psych. just wants to look at DD's prior testing (only WISC and Woodcock Johnson. I never received any paperwork from the ADHD diagnosis). Psch. also wonders a lot of about DD's early history which perhaps we have not paid as much attention to as we should have.
Bright note - DD has begun to discuss ADHD (would never discuss it before). She feels bad for a fellow student who has ADHD hyperactive type who gets in trouble with a certain teacher when she forgets to take her meds. DD says this girl is very nice. For DD to talk like this is HUGE. Normally she is very cutting and sarcastic.
Oh, I will be giving the psych. the assessment results. Thanks all for talking me through this!!
