Go To Your Childs Doctor First For Screening
If you suspect your child has autism or exhibits any of the signs, it is imperative to have them evaluated for any condition. A prompt diagnosis will make it possible for your child to receive the necessary services more quickly and have a higher quality of life.
Children who are at risk for developmental impairment and need more evaluation are subjected to developmental screenings, which are quick, informal exams. The screening of development can be done by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. Your child will require a thorough, in-depth developmental evaluation if there are any issues.
Make sure you make an appointment immediately after your child’s doctor gives the referral and you get the call. I went through a long wait list during the start of my son’s assessments. That was 18 years ago, so I’m almost sure the wait lists are longer now.
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
Once you get an official 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.
