Does my dd have a form of autism?

[momof_3]

Originally Posted by seeinstarrz I am in the same boat as you right now, actually - I've questioned some of my son's behavior for a while now but it wasn't until his 3 yr well-check that his pediatrician raised some red flags and referred him for evaluation. We just filled out all the paperwork today prior to his appointment which was 6 pages long - a lot of questions about medical history, when he hit certain milestones, how he communicates and interacts with other people, etc. It gives them a background to review prior to our appointment so they know what to watch for I guess. As far as the labeling goes, well - men are just difficult because, like another PP said, they don't want to view their kids as having any sort of problem. My DH is like that and it's tremendously hard sometimes to get him involved with therapy or medical stuff with our DS. But truth be told, I am sort of HOPING for the label because we have had so much difficulty getting my son the help and therapy he needs that the label might make all the difference. The diagnosis won't change who he is, just like the label won't change your daughter either. All it does is say, "Yes, this is how she operates, and here are some resources that might help you." I'd say it's worth getting her evaluated, especially as she gets in to school. Our evaluation appointment for DS is coming up on Jan 9th, we actually got in fairly quickly (the referral was sent out in early Dec). I'd be happy to let you know how it goes and what to prepare for!

That would be very helpful!

[nrsenadenos]

Originally Posted by momof_3 Oh mama. I am sorry you had to go thru so much just to get help for your child. I hope she gets the help she needs.

Originally Posted by momof_3 I hope I don't have to go to those lengths to find out what my dd's quirks mean if they mean anything at all.

Thanks, and I hope that you don't either. I think our problem is that she doesn't fit into any one of the typical boxes. She has symptoms of this and symptoms of that, but nothing for a full diagnosis. She'll fail one test and then pass the next with flying colors. She will be totally unresponsive to one doctor and then run up and give the next one a huge hug on their first visit together. I've at least gotten the doctor's to agree that there is "something" not quite normal about it, but they don't know what to call it. So she's getting shoved under the PDD-NOS umbrella for now.

Originally Posted by seeinstarrz ... Our evaluation appointment for DS is coming up on Jan 9th, we actually got in fairly quickly (the referral was sent out in early Dec). I'd be happy to let you know how it goes and what to prepare for!

Wow, that was fast! We had to wait 9 months for our first appointment with the developmental pediatrician!

[Tanksmom]

Hi
I grew up with an autistic brother and am now a special Ed teacher. My Dad would never admit my brother had autism and said that there was nothing wrong with him. My brother is very autistic and getting him a diagnosis finally helped the family to understand why some of the things he did were different than typically developing peers. I understand that it is scary to hear a diagnosis but with or without a diagnosis you still have the same perfect child that you started with. Having a diagnosis will help you to learn how to help your child develop the social skills that she may lack if indeed she is autistic. It sounds like your daughter is very smart and has a loving family do she will be fine. I would recommend researching everything you can. I taught a student with autism that wrote a screen play that was amazing. Some autistic kids are almost like geniuses is some aspects.

[cody82414]

I personally recommend an evaluation unrelated to the school altogether.
Is there an Easter Seals program close who can schedule an evaluation?

Also Autism Speaks has a 100 day kit that may help to answer some questions and alleviate some anxiety.

A diagnosis does not change the sweetness of your child, but may help to explain some behaviors or characteristics and may rule others out.

My best to you as you do what is best for your child <3

[cody82414]

double post

[mommy2kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by cody82414 I personally recommend an evaluation unrelated to the school altogether. Is there an Easter Seals program close who can schedule an evaluation? Also Autism Speaks has a 100 day kit that may help to answer some questions and alleviate some anxiety. A diagnosis does not change the sweetness of your child, but may help to explain some behaviors or characteristics and may rule others out. My best to you as you do what is best for your child <3

I totally agree with the school part. My DD was evaluated by the schools found to be "normal". I mean they found nothing wrong and this was as recent as last school year. This year we are in a state with much better rules and we are sitting with for sure Autism and also possible Adhd. The psychiatrist actually thought classic Adhd until I got into the quirks as I call them. Then with watching her he said high functioning Autism. Waiting on psychologist office to call back about appointment to find out for sure exactly what level we are dealing with. I always knew something was up since about 2 1/2-3yrs old.
Something for your Dh to think about. You don't outgrow Adhd, Autism, etc. Would he rather her deal for years then get a diagnosis? I am Add/Adhd inattentive. I wasn't diagnosed until an adult talk about a kick to the self esteem. Coworker that is 23 is dealing with her psychiatrist wanting to get her tested for Autism!! She says it is messing with her bad emotionally. The amount of help and progress your DD could make with a diagnosis is huge! I am reading the out of sync child and wish we had found someone who would have listened back then.
Hugs!!! I know it is hard.

Alisha sent using my Samsung Galaxy II that thinks it is smarter then me.

[nrsenadenos]

One note about school evals...the school is looking for things that will impact the child's ability to learn. So while they might have a disorder of one type or another, or be on the spectrum, they may not always qualify for services. For instance, my DD has Anxiety Disorder - but if it wasn't for the fact that it causes her to be a Selective Mute she wouldn't qualify for services through the school (she qualifies for speech therapy).

[mommy2kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by nrsenadenos One note about school evals...the school is looking for things that will impact the child's ability to learn. So while they might have a disorder of one type or another, or be on the spectrum, they may not always qualify for services. For instance, my DD has Anxiety Disorder - but if it wasn't for the fact that it causes her to be a Selective Mute she wouldn't qualify for services through the school (she qualifies for speech therapy).

Regretfully in KY you have to start at the school once the child is in school. If they suspect anything they are to refer out. I told them repeatedly about her and was told normal for her age. Since when is it normal for an 9 year old to have daily temper tantrums? They are to take into account home life. This is only for kids on state medical though as far as I can tell.

Alisha sent using my Samsung Galaxy II that thinks it is smarter then me.

[nrsenadenos]

Originally Posted by mommy2kaitlyn Regretfully in KY you have to start at the school once the child is in school. If they suspect anything they are to refer out. I told them repeatedly about her and was told normal for her age. Since when is it normal for an 9 year old to have daily temper tantrums? They are to take into account home life. This is only for kids on state medical though as far as I can tell. Alisha sent using my Samsung Galaxy II that thinks it is smarter then me.

Can you get your pediatrician to refer you to a developmental specialist? That's how we did it.

[mommy2kaitlyn]

Originally Posted by nrsenadenos Can you get your pediatrician to refer you to a developmental specialist? That's how we did it.

In ky nope. We have everyone working together here. Therapist, psychiatrist, and soon adding psychologist. South Dakota is much easier to maneuver then ky once kids are in school. DD was in EI for about 6 mo's maybe a bit more before starting preschool for speech delay. No one caught on ever that she is Autistic. Pretty sad given the number of years in school and how many times I asked for help.

Alisha sent using my Samsung Galaxy II that thinks it is smarter then me.