An early autism diagnosis can positively impact your child’s well-being.
As a pediatrician, I often meet parents who are hesitant or unsure about seeking an autism diagnosis for their child. Many are concerned that the diagnosis will label their child or lead to stigmatization, particularly in communities where mental health struggles are often misunderstood. However, what I have learned, and what I stress to all parents, is that seeking an early diagnosis isn’t about labeling a child—it’s about giving them the tools and support they need to thrive.
In my recent podcast conversation with Dr. Hokehi Eko, founder of Glow Pediatrics, we discussed the critical importance of early autism diagnosis and how it affects the future well-being of children. Dr. Eko’s practice is focused on bridging the gap between the need for early intervention and the long wait times that many families face. She emphasized that in many states, children may wait up to two years to get evaluated for autism, and these delays can hinder their development.
The first five years of a child’s life are crucial.
During this time, the brain is developing at a rapid pace, and early intervention has the greatest potential to make a positive impact. Whether it’s speech therapy, occupational therapy, or applied behavioral analysis, starting therapies early can significantly improve a child’s ability to communicate, interact, and adapt to their surroundings. Dr. Eko explained that, unfortunately, many children are stuck waiting for evaluations, which delays this critical support.
One point Dr. Eko made clear is that autism diagnoses aren’t about putting children in a box. Instead, the diagnosis opens doors to necessary resources. Children who are diagnosed early have access to the school accommodations, therapies, and individualized education plans (IEPs) they need to succeed academically and socially. Without the diagnosis, these children may struggle unnecessarily, falling behind simply because they didn’t have the support they needed at the right time.
Parents often tell me they’re worried about the stigma that may come with a diagnosis, especially in Black and African communities where there is a long history of mistrust and hesitancy around mental health diagnoses.
Dr. Eko, who is originally from Nigeria, highlighted how this cultural factor is common both within African and African American communities. It’s not unusual for families to hide a diagnosis out of fear that it will limit their child’s potential or subject them to judgment. But Dr. Eko and I agree that seeking support for your child is an act of love and advocacy. The earlier a child receives the help they need, the better equipped they are to succeed.
Dr. Eko also shared her personal journey of becoming an integrative pediatrician after her daughter experienced severe food sensitivities that affected her health and behavior. This experience led Dr. Eko to pursue further training in integrative medicine, which focuses on treating the root causes of health issues. She explained how treating children with autism holistically—looking at their nutrition, environment, sleep habits, and overall well-being—can often complement more traditional treatments and improve outcomes. For example, many children with autism experience issues such as constipation, which can affect their mood and behavior. Addressing these underlying issues can help children feel better and respond more effectively to therapies.
For families facing long wait times for an autism diagnosis, Dr. Eko’s practice is designed to reduce that burden. Through her virtual consultations, she is now able to evaluate children across nine states, including Oklahoma, New York, and Florida, often within two weeks. This ability to serve more children in a shorter time frame is critical in addressing the current shortage of specialists who can diagnose and treat autism.
Maximize your child’s ability to succeed in the world.
One key takeaway from my conversation with Dr. Eko is that seeking an autism diagnosis is not about changing who your child is; it’s about optimizing their ability to succeed in the world. Every child is different, and every child deserves the opportunity to be the best version of themselves. Whether that means accessing therapy early or addressing environmental factors, the focus is on helping children reach their full potential, with or without a diagnosis.
For parents who may be hesitant, I encourage you to take that step toward evaluation. The journey of getting an autism diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is, but it can provide the tools and resources that will help them grow into who they are meant to be. If you have any concerns or are unsure about what steps to take, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like Dr. Eko, who are working hard to make early intervention more accessible to families everywhere.
If you want more information or help advocating for your loved ones, schedule.a free consultation.
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