Okay my son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS through the school and also a dx of ADHD through his own pychritrist,his ped. reff. me to a dev. ped. at the Child Study in Ft. Worth,b/c of the two different dx's so I sent all my info and paperwork that the school gave us and they called me a couple of weeks ago and said he was going to be seen by a pychologist instead and if the pychologist felt he needed any other testing they would let me know. I have to pay 250 at the first visit and my insurance is only covering 60% of any other services he receives. I'm just wondering whether or not he really has ADHD b/c I'm starting to think it's all Autistic traits that was confused with ADHD and also have concerns about him taking unneccerary meds for something he does'nt auctually have. I mentioned everthing to his pychritrist and she did not offer any testing of her own. I have an appt. with her this Tue. and I'm thinking of asking her to reff. me to a pychologist that might be willing to help. I just want to know if he may have any other issues along with PDD-Nos. so should I try to to find a pychologist thats covered more under my insurance or stick to the Child Study? and is there any more resources I should be seeking? I would greatly appreaciate any suggestions. Thank you!
Update: My son has an IEP set out for a child with Autism, he has speech 2x/wk, Ot once/wk and receives resource help daily for about 30min. He is also receiving OT services once a wk for 45 min. outside of school. I know the school said we are going to be receiving home training for my son for 30 min/6wks. and 30 min. for me once every 6wks. Is there any other sources I should seek or that is available beyond the educatinal setting?
ADHD is almost universally a PART of an autism spectrum disorder like PDD-NOS. It's not really a separate diagnosis, although it might be written out that way. If your son has PDD-NOS, the education he will get based on that disability will also cover any supports he needs for his hyperactivity or lack of focus. The aim should be to get an IEP that addresses ALL his needs, no matter what they are. Getting a classification just opens the "door." Once he's got an IEP, the classification doesn't matter. The IEP Team must assess his INDIVIDUAL needs and address them INDIVIDUALLY in the IEP. Medical dx is evidence, but it does not drive the IEP. Educational assessments do. Let the District do its educational testing and you'll have your son's Present Levels of Performance to use as a guide to giving him the intervention and support he needs. The BEST thing you can do for yourself and for him right now is to learn the ins and outs of educational advocacy. As I've mentioned ad nauseum on this board, I think the BEST BOOK OUT THERE to use as an excellent guide is FROM EMOTIONS TO ADVOCACY and it's available at Amazon and also at www.wrightslaw.com