I have asked my pediatrition and several psychologists and counselers these questions, but I never get a straight answer. Perhaps because there isn't one.
Should my daughter see a neurologist? What can she gain from this? If she gets a dx from a neurologist, then is it considered a medical diagnosis? And will a medical dx make more resources availible to us?
I'm always afraid that I haven't done everything I can for her. But I don't want to put her through alot of medical testing if there is nothing to gain from it.
Any advice?
Not all neurologists put kids thru a bunch of medical testing. Why run an eeg if you have not had any seizures? My son has had seizures and that is the reason we had an eeg done. Some kids see neuro's and some don't. That is up to the individual parent and the doctors involved in each individual case.
Tammy
Hello. I was asked by the psychologist to take my son to a neurologist before I was given a final diagnosis. My son was not put through any tests. The neurologist just spent some time with him and asked me some questions before giving his opinion.Reasons you should see a neurologist:
1. Suspect seizures
2. Interested in medicating your child.
3. Your child has other physical problems: motor problems, digestive problems, etc.
4. If you would like genetic testing.
5. If you would like metabolic testing.
6. If you would like an MRI to be done.
7. If you are interested in alternative approaches to autism treatment, you might seek out a neurologist who is interested in that kind of treatment.
http://www.childbrain.com/pddq9.shtml "According to the recent recommendation of the American Academy of Neurology, almost no tests at all are required for most children with mild autism or PDD NOS. Specific testing should be considered according to the specific finding on history or examination."
"Genetic tests may be ordered because some causes of
autism may be inherited—or genetic.
• Genetic testing can provide information about any
specific inherited problems, genetic defects, or nervous
system abnormalities your child may have.
• Fragile X is caused by an inherited change in a specific
gene. A few autistic children test positive for Fragile X.
The doctor should order the test if there is a family history
of developmental problems, retardation, or if your child
has certain physical signs.
Metabolic tests may be ordered to see if there is a genetic
or non-genetic condition that affects the child. A doctor
might order metabolic tests if there are other specific
symptoms such as early onset seizures.
Lead screening may be ordered if there is a risk that your
child might have lead poisoning. Since some children with
autism tend to eat non-food items and lead may be
found in paint chips, your doctor may order a blood test
for lead screening.
EEG tests may be performed if the doctor suspects epilepsy
or in children whose language and other skills have
regressed.
Brain imaging tests (CT or MRI) are rarely helpful, but a
neurologist might order these tests for some children.
Psychological tests and speech and language tests are
likely to be ordered to help plan for your child’s education."
I was referred to both a Neuro and Psych...
Neuro is for (in our case) worsening enuresis, severe drops in IQ subtests and slippage of acquired skills, they want to make sure there isn't another underlying medical problem. Like gabu explained, they want to do an MRI. I was told this person can dx but was also referred at the same time to a psych that specializes in this area.
Based on people's input from this board about both, and my own sense of satisfaction that we've looked thoroughly at everything...I've decided to see both. At least I can get in to see the Neuro long before I'll see the psych, based on waiting lists.
Good luck to you!
~Lesley
mom to Riley, 8 1/2, severe DSI (or possible ASD) & CVS