What Made You Seek an Autism Evaluation for Your Child?
From the moment my son was born, i knew instinctively that there was something not right. There were neurosensory and neuromuscular signs but he also had some skills that were remarkable that did not fit autism. I tried to convince the doctor, my family and even my husband but was dismissed as being overly worried and concerned. I met a woman with a son whose PDD symptoms closely resembled my son's and started researching. A local agency community tested (DART) and then I took that info to a child development center on my own to finally get a formal PDD-NOS diagnosis at 4.
How Did the Diagnostic Process Work?
The preliminary DART evaluation was a community based program to evaluate for preschool kids. Armed with that information, I tried to get the pediatrican to refer us to the child development center but went anyway. The evaluation process was very detailed and included a history, full physical exam that included any and all genetic screenings for alternatieve diagnosis, blood and lab tests, MRI of brain, EEG, eye and ear screenings, and a social and psychological evaluation. They were very thorough and included observation of him in a setting with other children and interacting with us as parents. They were ready to answer questions but I wish they would have offered more direction beyond the diagnosis.
Advice
- Keep a log of sypmtoms or behaviors if you are just starting out. Include as many outside observations as possible. If you are able or your insurance pays for it, get both a school evaluation and an independent evaluation so athat you have a resource if you don't agree with what your school district wants to provide for services. Research the diagnosis and what treatments are available. Know what your rights are concerning services that your child is eligible for, in the school district, with your insurance, and services available through wraparound or psychological support. Be fearless in finding the best.
What Our Diagnostician Recommended
We weren't given much of a recommendation except to get him some emotional support and the possibility of using medication, physical/occupational/speech thereapy. because we were in a great school based program, we used their program with continuation of their practices in our home.
How We Found the Resources We Needed
Resources are more readily available now than when my son was diagnosed. I called every agency i could find to get the help for him, including reading and researching a lot on my own. We didn't even know about Learning support until last year, and now he has an aide. Other parents are best.
What We Would Do Differently
I would have pushed harder for an earlier diagnosis. I would have also gotten wraparound services and pushed for him to be included in the special ed program despite his high functioning so that he could qualify for more services. I would haev interected more with other parents.
