Although many children will eventually receive a medical or genetic diagnosis, some children will never receive a specific diagnosis but will have a general diagnosis like global developmental delay. Some parents may want to keep searching for an underlying diagnosis, others may want to take a break from what can be an exhausting search.
Having a medical or genetic diagnosis may help open some doors for services and explain a constellation of symptoms and behaviors, but the child’s unique needs should always drive the services and supports.
Whether or not a child has a specific diagnosis, his/her educational program should be based on his/her unique qualities and needs.
The topics under "General Things to Think About" will provide you with a more in-depth understanding, and include words of advice from those who have walked the walk.