In PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader
Diagnostic overshadowing happens when doctors or healthcare workers focus so much on a person's autism that they miss other health problems the person might have. This can mean that other illnesses or conditions are not noticed or treated properly.
Key Points:
Mixing Up Symptoms: Sometimes, signs of other health problems are mistaken as just part of autism. For example, if an autistic person feels very anxious or has stomach pain, it might be seen as just them acting up due to autism instead of a separate issue.
Communication Barriers: Many autistic people find it hard to explain their feelings or symptoms and may have other communication challenges. This can make it harder for doctors to understand what's really going on.
Assumptions: Doctors might assume all problems are because of autism and not look for other causes. This can lead to missed diagnoses. Usually any acting up behaviors is redirected back to behavior therapy, when they actually needed different solutions.
Lack of Training: Not all doctors know how to spot other health problems in autistic people. They might need more training to do this well.
Poor Treatment: If other health issues are not found, the person might not get the right treatment. This can affect their immediate and long term health and well-being.
Examples:
Mental Health: If an autistic person is feeling very sad or has depression, it might be ignored because it's thought to be just part of their autism.
Physical Health: If an autistic person has pain in their stomach, it might be seen as just a behavior issue rather than a real medical problem.
How to Fix This:
Thorough Check-Ups: Doctors should look at the whole person and not just their autism. They should check for other health issues and underlying issues too.
Better Training: Doctors should learn more about how to spot other health problems in autistic people.
Clear Communication: Finding better ways for autistic people to share how they feel can help doctors understand their symptoms better.
Awareness: Helping everyone, including caregivers and educators, and professionals understand that autistic people can have other health problems too.
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