Please answer some questions for me...

[Dani Marks]

I have noticed on here that a lot of kids on the spectrum have been to several different doctors/specialists/therapists for evaluation, diagnosis, assessment, etc.

My 6 yr old son was diagnosed in January with Asperger's and the only two doctors he has seen are his pediatrician and a developmental pediatrician.

Is is necessary/should I take him to separate doctors/therapists etc.? For example: Neurologist, Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, etc. How many are necessary and why are they all necessary? We are very new to this whold process and I am just not sure what I should do. I don't want to go overboard but I don't want to do too little either.

He is being evaluated by the school for speech and occupational, but should I take him to independant therapists for evaluation as well, you know, just to make sure?

Thanks for your help!

Dani Marks
Andrew 6 yrs old w/Asperger's and Hyperlexia and Austin 4 yrs old

[Deester]

Hi Dani,

Take it one step at a time. Asperger's usually isn't diagnoised until about your son's age.

Is is necessary/should I take him to separate doctors/therapists etc.?

If you feel the need to.


For example: Neurologist, Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, etc.

Some like to be followed by a Neurologist. If you feel there are other issues that haven't been outlined in the diagnosis you may want to follow up. Alot of time as things arise these doctors are brought on board. Anxiety, Obsessive Compuslive, agression are just a few of the things that may come up and sometimes these other doctors can help.

I've tried a Naturalpatic and that helped my daughter alot early on. We don't use one now but it's what your dealing with at the moment.

Sometime if families have problems getting the services they believe they need for thier child an independent evaluation is always something to do. Sometimes you can get the school to pay for them.

My advice to you....READ READ READ all that you can. Knowledge is power. The school will try to 'avoid' giving you what they can so you need to know your rights and what your child needs at any given time.

Finding this site is a great start!!

Ohh and welcome!!

Denise