A diagnosis changes your life

Author:  Rebecca Manari | April 16th, 2022

As parents of children with autism, we often share our struggles and difficulties with the professionals at Sethu. The therapists always have a remarkable way with words and manage to get their message across in a way that’s so relatable and easy to understand.

I’d like to share one very interesting anecdote that really inspired me.

I had been told by one of Sethu’s therapists, ‘What changes after your child’s diagnosis, is that you were confused and stressed out before you knew, now you know which direction you need to go, and what you need to do to get there. Therefore, things will only get better from here on…’ These words were exactly what I needed to hear. They just fixed an ache in my heart. They made absolute sense to me and made me feel so much better.

The diagnosis was no longer something unattractive that loomed over us like a dark cloud. Instead, it was a relief, and much needed, something we needed to welcome and embrace.
Now, I often repeat this same line to moms struggling with the acceptance of the diagnosis and the feeling that their child now has a label to wear.

If a struggling parent was clueless and lost, just about staying afloat in the rough seas of parenthood, continually being tossed and thrown about to the point of almost surrendering to the forces of nature, then the diagnosis can feel like a lighthouse, giving you hope, guidance, a direction to head towards, lighting your way and a sign of support that’s calm and safe, waiting for you on the horizon. The team at Sethu will help guide you there, you’re at the helm and they totally respect that.

Sure, it can be a struggle and take some time to actually get there, but you will. Because there is always hope and understanding. ‘This is an apt metaphors for aiding the acceptance of an autism diagnosis, and I think this is a beautiful way of looking at it helping to accept, embrace and own the diagnosis of your child.’


The Autism Parent Support Group is here to help all parents of children with ASD. Do reach out to our parent co-ordinator for further information. You can connect with me, through Sethu: from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm on +91-7720013749.