updated 5/31/24
Go To Your Childs Doctor First For Screening
Should you notice signs and question yourself “My child may have autism” immediate evaluation is crucial. Early diagnosis paves the way for timely access to essential services, significantly enhancing your child’s quality of life.
Children at risk of developmental delays undergo developmental screenings, concise and preliminary assessments designed to identify those in need of further evaluation. These screenings can be administered by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professionals. Should any concerns arise, your child will need a comprehensive and detailed developmental assessment to explore these issues further.
Evaluation for Autism
Ensure you schedule an appointment as soon as your child’s doctor issues a referral and you receive the call. I experienced a lengthy wait during the initial stages of my son’s assessments, which was a challenging period. This happened 18 years ago, and based on the trends and growing demands for medical services, I’m almost certain that the waiting lists have become even longer now. Prompt action can help avoid unnecessary delays in receiving crucial evaluations and interventions that are vital for your child’s development.
Preparing For Your Appointments (I Still Do This)
Take notes with questions.
Your child is at home, where he is most at ease. When things are more casual, you’ll be able to think clearly and consider these questions. Put them on paper, and place them on the refrigerator.
Even record some short videos. It helps the experts understand the problems you’re worried about.
Short Story: My son regressed years ago and didn’t know who I was. He became very aggressive. Put his head through a shower glass door, attempted with a wall or anything that was near by. The professionals said numerous times. “I wouldn’t have believed how bad it was, hadn’t I seen it with my own eyes”
Making The Diagnoses Formal
Your child will undergo a formal, comprehensive developmental assessment if any areas of concern are found during the screening process. Please be aware that developmental evaluations are carried out by a trained professional or group of trained professionals, such as:
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Neurologists
Occupational Therapist
Social Security and Medical Assistance
Once you get an official autism diagnosis and services are in place, depending on the state, go to the Social Security office and file for disability. Don’t panic when it’s denied the first time. Put it through again or file a grievance. Once it is approved, you get all back pay from the first day you filed.
Then you want to file for a Medical Card based on disability, not income (I had to find this out the hard way). They will want documentation of the diagnoses. And you will already have that. As I stated before, some states it may be different, but this will give you a baseline on what should be done.
The Most Important Thing To Remember
You know your child better than anyone. Listen to your gut. I don’t know how many times I had doctors try and make me second guess myself. Or dismiss what I thought may be going on. (I thought my son was having a blank stare seizures, doctor wouldn’t do a referral) If your child’s doctor has other doctors in the practice, make a sick visit. Usually that sends you to another one of their other doctors to get their option.
I’m guilty, I did it that too LOL, but I got the referral. Not only did we find out he had cluster seizures, which was the cause of the head banging, he couldn’t tell us (he wasn’t verbal then) he was having headaches. But he was also diagnosed with Charai 1 Malformation so they said he may have been in pain. Also, don’t forget to breathe, you’re doing all the right things. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
