How Can I Get An Accurate Diagnosis For My 4 Year Old ? | MyAutismTeam

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How Can I Get An Accurate Diagnosis For My 4 Year Old ?
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question šŸ’­

My son is 4, almost 5. I've known there was something going on with him since he turned 2. We've had one evaluation, started OT for SPD and are waiting on another evaluation at Shands UF in Gainesville. Here's my problem. The paperwork says the evaluation should only take an hour. Just like the first one, they flat out asked me why I was there. He doesn't seem like a typical ASD kid. Until, I showed them the videos I have taken of him. I feel like we are doomed for the next one, because he'sā€¦ read more

posted May 29, 2013
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A MyAutismTeam Member

You can always bring video in as well to show them as well. Maybe edit down videos to just show the behaviors you are talking about so you don't waste time with other things.

posted May 30, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

If you can't get a diagnosis through this clinic that you are talking about you might want to go back to your pediatrician and ask to be referred to a diagnosing psychologist. We weren't getting anywhere near a diagnosis through the early intervention program here in AZ. They gave us one hour of speech and one hour of OT per week but I'd heard of these amazing 40 hour per week ABA programs that were having such great success. We went ahead and cut straight to a diagnosing psychologist and demanded that they do the full set of tests to diagnose. This should include several hours of the psychologist testing the child directly as well as caregiver/parent and teacher interview forms. Put together a list of all of the issues and behaviors that concern you. Take note of when you and others around the child first noticed these things. Also make a list of dates for major milestones like sitting up, crawling, walking, talking. Note any odd patterns of speech or sounds, sensitivities to light, sound or touch, all that sort of things and bring the list with you when you see the psychologist. We got the diagnosis through the course of 4 appointments over 3 weeks and a trip to the Neurologist for an EEG. After that we were able to get funding through the state Hab and resspite services to set up our ABA program. I'm in AZ so things might run a little differently here, but if you want any help I can tell you everything that we did to get our program put together here.

posted May 30, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

I'm sorry it cut out a portion ... His father ,therapist , school , day care and I filled out a lengthy questionnaire

posted June 2, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

I live in Alabama.. We have had a few diagnosis for my son ...he was first diagnosed at 2 he will now be 4.. This last diagnosis was a 3 part procedure where he was observed 3 times in different environments along with his father, day care, speech therapist ... Don't settle if you feel that more needs to be done then your gut feeling is probably right... I live in dothan AL which isn't too far from you . Dr Melanie Cotter evaluated my son... And gave us tons of info ...

posted June 2, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Ok I see more what you mean. A good evaluation for a child your sons age should have a parent reported section where they should ask you questions about his daily functioning. Keep your answers short and to the point because this appointment time is precious but if you have examples of his behavior that can be explained in a short amount of time, you can tell them that too. If you feel like it would make you feel more confident, see if you can gather short written statements from any teacher, daycare provider, doctor or therapist that has observed these behaviors. Statements from family would also work but doctors tend to give more weight to things from people outside of the family.

posted May 30, 2013

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