Diagnosis as a Trail Marker
A big part of neuropsychological evaluation involves diagnostic considerations. I want to take a minute and give my perspective on diagnosis, because it can be scary or off-putting sometimes.
Let’s think of diagnosis as a trail marker that designates the path one is traveling on, rather than a label of the person who is walking the path.
The whole idea behind making a diagnosis is to say
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This pattern of behaviors/feelings is occurring in an individual
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Other humans have experienced this pattern before
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In fact, this very pattern has occurred in enough humans that scientists have studied it and put a name to it (message: you are not alone!)
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Thanks to these studies, we have an understanding of the biology/brain science behind the pattern
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We have a good idea of things that can help the individual along the path
It’s a path that others have traveled on. It doesn’t mean you’ll walk it the same exact way, notice the same things. You’ll have your own unique experience on the path.
Getting a diagnosis doesn’t change the person. It doesn’t say anything new about them.
Here’s the point of diagnosis:
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To clarify the path the person is walking on
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To let them know they’re not alone
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To open the opportunity to learn about how others have fared along this path
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To give some suggestions about next steps and options for support
