GUEST BLOG: Do Labels Hurt or Help Our Children? You Be the Judge

Parents of children with invisible, or hidden, disabilities often struggle with many aspects of parenting. Not only do they have to maneuver through medical, educational and family situations (usually with no prior experience), but they also ponder the question of whether to label or not to label. If the disability is severe enough, a label seems like the kind thing to do. A title explains why Johnny can't read, can't sit still, can't do math and so on. It affords children the help that they need to succeed.

These words can open the doors to rights through the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Civil Rights Section 504. A diagnostic code, or category, allows insurance agencies to authorize (or not) payment for treatment. One is often backed into the corner and rendered helpless without all of these things.

One worries whether labeling Johnny as bipolar, ADHD or schizophrenic will create more stigma. They wonder if someday Johnny will outgrow this.

In an ideal world, people would recognize that Johnny might not be able to read, but he can work circles around kids in the math class, dance and sing and paint masterpieces.

Teachers would be able to teach to small groups of children with all kind of skill levels; grandparents would love every grandchild the same; parents would have a magic wand to wave over their child and make him or her absolutely capable in every category, doctors would have a magic solution to every mental health problem.

Until we get our magic wands, my wish is for parents to feel confident that they are doing the best that they can, using the tools that are available in hopes that tomorrow will be a better day. Our best is all we have to give.

Guest blogger today is Rebecca Randall, a family member who volunteers as facilitator for the Epilepsy Support Group that meets, 6:30 p.m., on the 4th Thursday of the month at the OSU/COTC Warner Library. Becky is the mother of two adult daughters, and was a longtime volunteer with MHA, facilitating a CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) support group that met for 11 years in Newark. Becky is also former Coordinator of the Pathways Crisis Hotline and Information Center and a former Crisis Response Specialist.