In Search of the Autism Answer

 

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But, Wiznitzer adds for parents: "The real question is what are you going to do with the label? Where is it going to get it you?"

For a family like the Ahrenses, a diagnosis helped her family get the treatment they needed in school. But even without the early intervention, a diagnosis can mean worlds to families and individuals.

"If you can get a label on something, then you can put some closure on the emotional involvement," says Wiznitzer.

As for Jason Ross, he now participates in an Asperger's support group called GRASP. And Lois Ross says the fact that he finally received an accurate diagnosis has made all the difference in his life -- as well as her own.

"I think it would have made a big difference just knowing," she says, "but I did everything and anything I could to make sure Jason had every opportunity.

Read/Watch the Entire Series: Autism in America

• Autism Voices and Views
• In Search of the Elusive 'Autism Answer'
• How Families Cope After Diagnosis
• The Mysteries of Autism
• Not Seeing Social Cues a Danger of Autism
• Hope for the Future

"I really feel that it's up to the parents -- I have to make his life a productive life, and that's the goal. That's the way I look at it."