Who should diagnose? | Autism PDD

Both of mine were diagnosed at two different places. They both saw a neuro psych and they were also seen at a clinic dealing specifically with autism/pdd. And you know I have never had the school question the diagnosis they both have. Have had them asked that the kid be medicated more. And when the neuro said no they dropped it quickly.

Tammy

horanimals,

Schools should never diagnose a child with autism unless there is a neurologist or someone else on staff specifically trained to give a dx like that. It sounds as if the school administrator you mentioned did the right thing by not stating that your child is on the spectrum. Absolutely talk to the neuro about an autism eval. As far as psych services, you could also ask the neuro about that.

Good luck with everything!

-Amy
Luke was dx'd by a dev. ped. Not sure who we'll have him looked at by next, though either a neurologist or a psychologist, I imagine.

Thanks much! Looks like it's a good start anyway.
I appreciate (all) your input.
~Lesley

(the SpEd Admin's words [to another psych we saw who contacted her] were actually "I didn't even know it's an issue"...even though she's the one who contacted the schools autism consultant AND she has the evals in hand from the school psych....she really is very difficult to deal with---I hate school)

horanimals38548.7021296296

Lesley,

I started with a nerologist referred by my sons preschool. I was completely unaware before the referral that there were degrees of autism. I was in complete denial.

Takoda was given Dx of being on the autism spectum by the neroligist but referred to autism clinic for oficial Dx. In my sons case the neroligist was a very good place to start. He did a wonderful job of explaining autism to me and letting me know what to expect.

Nelle

Hey there Lesley,

I know with my son, he was first diagnosed by a nuerophysch and then by a dev. ped. I do know that many children are dx'd by a nuerologist as well. where you already have an appt. in place i would give them a call ahead of time and see if the too can do the standard tests to see where your son lies on the spectrum. i don't think they should have an issue with that seeing as the appt is already in place. Aslong as you feel comfortable with the dr giving the dx, i don't think any specialist dx weighs more than the other.

I have a question about WHO should you see to diagnose...
School evaluations are showing autism (moderate to severe) but based on a conversation with our SpEd Admin, she still refuses to accept it, and I know getting (add'l) services is going to be difficult (he'll be in 3rd grade next year--get only 60 minutes/week each OT and ST).

We have an appt. with a Neurologist, for other reasons, and I know I can ask about Autism, (Our ped. suggested a Neuro for Autism evaluation...and newer issues have created an urgency in seeing him, so either way--we're going there) but I'm wondering if I should also make an appt. with a Psych as well.
Any ideas on who works best?
Thanks in advance...
~Lesley