I have a question for my sister

[Caimbrie]

Her son is 11, going to be 12 in August. There is no question that there is something wrong with him. She's had 2 different doctors now say something along the lines of "He has all of the markers for Aspergers... but why would you want to have that diagnosis on his head? So, I don't want to give him the diagnosis." This kid NEEDS to be in SOME kind of behavioral therapy among other things. My sister has kind of given up because she's frustrated, but I am so certain he has aspergers and so is my sister. Hell, the docs are even saying he has all the markers but they don't want that dianosis hanging over his head.... my sister knows a diagnosis will at least get him the help he needs. he's already in special education in school and already has in his record that if he needs a break they have to give him one etc. But it's not enough.

I guess my question is, how does she go about finding a doc who will diagnose the kid so she can get him the help he needs?

[mandyb]

she should be able to get the testing sone thru the public school system. it usually requires a psychiatrist evaluation. My dear friend had her son diagnosed not to long ago and that is the route she went. I hope this helps a bit.

[cheerkelly]

Wow. That's a tough one. My question is this: If he already has special education services, what other services will he get if he is diagnosed? Is there something else that the school can offer? The doctors might be looking at it along those lines. I'm not sure. I teach special ed, but I've never worked with a child who had Aspergers. I have heard of it, but am not familiar with it, so I don't know what services would be provided for him if he was labeled as such.

What problems is he having that aren't being addressed? I am a huge advocate for children with disabilities, so I love to work on situations like these. That's why I'm asking....not because I think he's getting everything. But because I want to help!

[Caimbrie]

Originally Posted by mandyb she should be able to get the testing sone thru the public school system. it usually requires a psychiatrist evaluation. My dear friend had her son diagnosed not to long ago and that is the route she went. I hope this helps a bit.

This kid has been evaluated by everyone. But the final docs haven't wanted to give the diagnosis. Makes no sense to me My sister doens't get it either. The way they talk about it is like him having the actual diagnosis will be a bad thing for him.

[Christine]

Has she seen a neuro-psychologist yet? With a definite diagnosis, he can qualify for more help. I can understand if he was a young child, but he's almost 12.

If the school requests the testing, they can refer her to one and they have to pay for it.

[Trey]

What insurance does she have? With Tricare, I can search for providers and look for PCM"s, but with a specialty in child development or psychology, etc. Usually those doctors are a lot better at diagnosing that stuff.

[Caimbrie]

Originally Posted by cheerkelly Wow. That's a tough one. My question is this: If he already has special education services, what other services will he get if he is diagnosed? Is there something else that the school can offer? The doctors might be looking at it along those lines. I'm not sure. I teach special ed, but I've never worked with a child who had Aspergers. I have heard of it, but am not familiar with it, so I don't know what services would be provided for him if he was labeled as such. What problems is he having that aren't being addressed? I am a huge advocate for children with disabilities, so I love to work on situations like these. That's why I'm asking....not because I think he's getting everything. But because I want to help!

He needs stuff out of school as well. He has some major social and behavior issues.

Last summer I had him and his brother for a week and he did very odd things. He'd find patterns in everything in my house, which wasn't a bad thing.. but he also forced himself to throw up in the middle of my livingroom floor for no reason at all.

[mandyb]

ummmmm, that is odd that thy say he has the markers for it but do not want it to bein his file??? I am not sure what the big deal would be, are these military doctors or civilians?

[LoveKiss]

Are there any specialists in the area? Maybe look to a university-affiliated hospital center? They have the research dollars, and therefore often attract the experts in the field. My son's pediatric psychiatrist wanted to say it was "just" ADHD because it's an "easy" diagnosis and treatment. But I knew there was more to the issue. I did some asking around and found a psychiatrist that specialized in ADHD and Aspergers. This woman knows her stuff and is willing to call it as she sees it. I pay out of pocket for her services because she does not accept any insurance. IMHO she is worth her weekly fee, and ds is finally getting the therapy he needs.

[Caimbrie]

Originally Posted by Rileysmom What insurance does she have? With Tricare, I can search for providers and look for PCM"s, but with a specialty in child development or psychology, etc. Usually those doctors are a lot better at diagnosing that stuff.

I have no idea. her husband isn't military. I'd guess Blue Cross, but I really don't know.