06/24/2026
What if itās Not Autism?
Have you ever known a child (letās say they are 4-years-old) that has difficulty paying attention in school (has even gotten kicked out of 2 preschools), is a picky eater, has difficulty sleeping at night, has occasional tantrums and has really messy handwriting? But at the same time, is super social, can clearly articulate and tell you the ins and outs of their day and loves Legos and baking cookies with mom.
I see this all of the time.
As an occupational therapist, I see this all of the time. Kids who are clearly having difficulty with mastering different age-appropriate skills but it doesnāt necessarily āqualifyā as an autism diagnosis. Parents have even become desperate for their child to receive an autism diagnosis (even on months long waiting lists to see a doctor) in hopes that their child will be able to get services because of it to help their child. What is a parent to do?
It truly makes me so sad.
Here is the thing, I work with and have worked with many children with a diagnosis of autism (I truly love the work I do with these sweet kiddos) and it clearly looks different for every single child. I have also worked with many children who do not have a diagnosis but still struggle, even sometimes, greatly. How is it acceptable that children who needs support, regardless of a diagnosis, are still being overlooked and not getting the help they deserve...too? It truly makes me so sad.
My take, children are struggling across our communities, they need help, support, therapies, interventions, somethingā¦but we canāt leave them hanging. My hope and wish is that if a child needs help, we give them what they need based on evidence, based on what we see and know. All kids, with all abilities deserve to be empowered and supported.
Michelle Atanu, OTR, MOT is a pediatric occupational therapist who specializes in working with young children with neurodiverse needs. She is the CEO of Avilo Pediatric Solutions & Consulting and the Founder of the Neurodiversity Childrenās Institute.
