Is it appropriate for a practitioner to share a suspected diagnosis they are not qualified to make?

[Anonymous]

I had a therapist suggest an evaluation for my child but they did not say what they suspected. My guess is autism, but I wonder why they didn't just say that? When we call for the evaluation they seem to want to know what our concern is, and I am even less qualified to make that assessment than the initial provider.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a therapist suggest an evaluation for my child but they did not say what they suspected. My guess is autism, but I wonder why they didn't just say that? When we call for the evaluation they seem to want to know what our concern is, and I am even less qualified to make that assessment than the initial provider.

You can just say that a therapist thought that there are some concerning behaviors that could warrant a further evaluation. They see this all the time, that's what their purpose is, to suss out what's happening when you know things aren't going right, but aren't sure what's wrong.

Plus, once you plant the seed about a diagnosis into the mix, it kind of clouds the rest of the process. It can seem like there is pressure to confirm a condition instead just simply evaluate for possible conditions. Stick to the symptoms, behaviors, and issues that are preventing DC from living their best life.

[Anonymous]

It would be unethical and possibly illegal to give you a diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Because therapists are not qualified to make formal diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because therapists are not qualified to make formal diagnosis.

But when I called Children's they specifically asked what we are concerned about because different people do autism evaluations versus ADHD. So it would be helpful to know what it is the therapist is concerned about. Of course I understand they can't make a formal diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a therapist suggest an evaluation for my child but they did not say what they suspected. My guess is autism, but I wonder why they didn't just say that? When we call for the evaluation they seem to want to know what our concern is, and I am even less qualified to make that assessment than the initial provider.

Of course they cannot mention a diagnosis. But you can ask the therapist to tell you the behaviors/areas of concern that led them to say that and that's the info you relay to the other provider.

[Anonymous]

It’s so frustrating. I didn’t know teachers couldn’t say directly and we got so many hints and “suggestions” before I realized what was happening.

[Anonymous]

OP, what did the therapist say? They must have mentioned something that led them to raise the issue with you. If not - just ask. "I am making an appt for an evaluation as you suggested. Can I tell you to describe some of the concerning items, so that I can relay it to the intake person?"

They cannot make a diagnosis or share it with you. They can tell you what they are seeing (that from their experience deviates sufficiently from age norms to warrant a check).

If you have absolutely zero concerns - go through a free CHADIS questionnaire for your child's age.

[Anonymous]

If your child is seeing a therapist, you obviously have some concerns that prompted starting therapy. Share those concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child is seeing a therapist, you obviously have some concerns that prompted starting therapy. Share those concerns.

It was a specific issue that has resolved

[Anonymous]

There is a difference between giving a diagnosis and saying what the referral would be for. I'm surprised the therapist wouldn't tell you, or at least mention the specific behaviors they think should have further evaluation.

What kind of degree does the therapist have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a difference between giving a diagnosis and saying what the referral would be for. I'm surprised the therapist wouldn't tell you, or at least mention the specific behaviors they think should have further evaluation.

What kind of degree does the therapist have?

LCSW

They did provide a narrative description of what they observed but it was not super clear what specific issues we should mention. To have gotten it covered this year we'd need to make an argument to the pediatrician to give us a referral and she was not convinced. Thankfully we can switch insurance and be covered without a referral starting in January.

[Anonymous]

Yes, therapists sometimes say very specifically that you should have your child tested for aDHD or autism or dyslexia etc.

[Anonymous]

As a tutor, I have done this. Sometimes I just describe the behavior and suggest an assessment. Sometimes I mention a set of behaviors and also mention which specific disorders have those specific behaviors and recommend an assessment. I *always* emphasize that I am not qualified to make a diagnosis, but as a private teacher/tutor for over 20 years, I have worked with many, many students with and without disabilities, and so I am definitely qualified to notice behavioral or academic strengths/weaknesses.

I actually think it would be unethical of me to keep my observations to myself. It is le keeping a secret from a parent.

My job is not to diagnose, but I do view it as part of my job to share observations and explain what kind of professionals and process is available to sort out whether or not there is a diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

If they are a public school employee, they are not allowed to even say the word "autism", "adhd" or any other potential diagnosis. However, in an attempt not to get sued (schools can be held liable for the cost of treatment if a staff member states a diagnosis), this often ends up confusing parents more. Blame the system. It's screwed up four ways til Sunday.