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How Do You go about getting a PDD diagnosis?

Michelle - posted on 07/19/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

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My 8 yr old has been tested at school for a broad-spectrum evaluation. There were some red flags I was told. He has an IEP. This year 3rd grade he will still recieve speech therapy, will have some OT therapy, and he will be in special education for reading and spelling. He is very good in Math. I did not recieve a final diagnosis. They did however mention Sensory Ingtergation Disorder.

It is a 6 to 7 month waiting list for the Easter Seal Broad Spectrum Evaluation. Not sure If I should have this done, beings the school just did it. Not sure what directions to go next. Any help would be appreciated!!

Thank You,

Michelle

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4 Comments

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Michelle - posted on 07/21/2009

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Hi Jennifer.. Thank you for the reply and suggestions on what to do next. Im afaid I am also that mom that has to know and to better understand what John and I are dealing with. Knowing too much is impossible!! I want what is best for John and all the help and resources out there can only help us! It is very frustrating, the waiting game but Im sure it will be well worth it.

Jennifer - posted on 07/20/2009

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It sounds like you are in good hands with the school. Therapy is what amtters and what makes the difference in the long run. However I was a mom who wanted to know.! I needed to know what all these developmental delay reports form the professionals really meant. i went to a comprehensive pediatric developmental center and finally got a very good comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. My son has autism, more specifically PDD-NOS. Ihave looked into the Easter seals programming it appears to be comprehensive and affordable. So you are probably on the right track. It took us the better part of 5 months to get a diagnosis, because of the waiting lists. It was very frustrating. I also say a neurologists- this was very informative - but if you go that route make sure that it is someone who works with pediatrics. Remember that the school and medical diagnosis are 2 different things. One gets you services in the school the other will help you to connect to providers who specialize in this field. I would continue with the Easter seals evaluation. You will just gain more insight and be able to help your son more.

Michelle - posted on 07/20/2009

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Thanks again Birgit! Never knew that a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, phychologist or psychiatrist could do this. I thought I could only go to Easter Seals for this. This information is very helpful. Thanks again!!

Birgit - posted on 07/19/2009

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Michelle,

you need to make an appointment with a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has experience with ASD. Here in Texas the school is not obligated to accept an outside evaluation to provide services such as speech, ot, music therapy etc. So you will need to ask your school to do a formal Autism evaluation. You will need to do that in writing. Only the district's Autsim team can give you a diagnosis. It is important for your son to receive the correct diagnosis. A diagnosis of an ASD will entitle him to support from the school that he would otherwise not receive.

Hope this helps!

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