best place for second opinion on ASD diagnosis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

No, you don't want an autism clinic. You want a place that does a differential diagnosis. Look at the earlier stat of the places that diagnose almost everyone that walks through their does with autism.

Our local children's hospital that evaluates for autism only gives an autism diagnosis about 40 percent of the time. That's because they are doing a differential diagnosis, which is the gold standard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

No, you don't want an autism clinic. You want a place that does a differential diagnosis. Look at the earlier stat of the places that diagnose almost everyone that walks through their does with autism.

Our local children's hospital that evaluates for autism only gives an autism diagnosis about 40 percent of the time. That's because they are doing a differential diagnosis, which is the gold standard.

They should all be doing a differential diagnosis. Since OP is willing to travel, are you talking about Children's National or somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

No, you don't want an autism clinic. You want a place that does a differential diagnosis. Look at the earlier stat of the places that diagnose almost everyone that walks through their does with autism.

Our local children's hospital that evaluates for autism only gives an autism diagnosis about 40 percent of the time. That's because they are doing a differential diagnosis, which is the gold standard.

Agreed, but ideally any autism clinic doing evaluations would give a differential diagnosis! I can believe that some are more rigorous than others; which is why it would be GREAT to tell OP the name of your clinic; or if not, the way you discerned that they did a good job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

A lot of DCUM posters have complained that they don't give the extended support and individual attention the way they used to. Personally, I think that follow-up is very important. No matter how skilled they are, I still want someone who continue to provide support as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

No, you don't want an autism clinic. You want a place that does a differential diagnosis. Look at the earlier stat of the places that diagnose almost everyone that walks through their does with autism.

Our local children's hospital that evaluates for autism only gives an autism diagnosis about 40 percent of the time. That's because they are doing a differential diagnosis, which is the gold standard.

Agreed, but ideally any autism clinic doing evaluations would give a differential diagnosis! I can believe that some are more rigorous than others; which is why it would be GREAT to tell OP the name of your clinic; or if not, the way you discerned that they did a good job.

My son was evaluated at 2.5 by a developmental pediatrician for about 1 hour and left with an ASD diagnosis. I went there for guidance and suggestions and left with a diagnosis. There was no differential diagnosis, it was simply "checking the boxes". My son does have symptoms of ASD, however, there are other factors such as hearing loss that were not factored in at all. With that being said, all providers and clinics are not the same. Trust your gut, do your research and get second opinions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

That is your opinion. Also, aren't the Camaratas still in Nashville? That is where Vanderbilt is, so the trip is exactly the same. I can't speak to the cost and nor should anyone else. That is between OP and her insurance company.

The Camarata’s do nothing but write a one time report and pat themselves on the back. There’s no follow up report and much of what they do is a nonverbal IQ test which you could also find here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

A lot of DCUM posters have complained that they don't give the extended support and individual attention the way they used to. Personally, I think that follow-up is very important. No matter how skilled they are, I still want someone who continue to provide support as needed.

I personally called and emailed Mary and Stephen for the better part of six months and I received no reply. After six months Mary called and said that they are a ‘busy clinic and that they don’t offer any ongoing support’. I regret wasting a year plus of my son’s developmental life listening to what they told me to do with him. It did not help him and we needed more support and we didn’t get it. If you think that you need anything except a one time report one in your child’s life I would not spend the money and time to go there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

Yeah, that sounds nice but it was not our experience at all. How can they pick and choose who to respond to and who to ghost?
That was completely unprofessional in our opinion and we wouldn’t recommend them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

A lot of DCUM posters have complained that they don't give the extended support and individual attention the way they used to. Personally, I think that follow-up is very important. No matter how skilled they are, I still want someone who continue to provide support as needed.

I personally called and emailed Mary and Stephen for the better part of six months and I received no reply. After six months Mary called and said that they are a ‘busy clinic and that they don’t offer any ongoing support’. I regret wasting a year plus of my son’s developmental life listening to what they told me to do with him. It did not help him and we needed more support and we didn’t get it. If you think that you need anything except a one time report one in your child’s life I would not spend the money and time to go there.

We went annually for a time. Once we did not get a follow up report. But we learned to get all our information while we were there, including test result numbers. We even taped the sessions. Every visit was 5 hours of one on one attention.

Best thing we did for our child. We had a meeting last spring with one of my son's high school teachers, and she mentioned a couple of learning styles and personality quirks, and they were ones the Camaratas noticed within 20 minutes of meeting him.

We used the information they gave us to fight for our kid. We had seen a lot of other people, and no one gave information to help us. They just wanted to sell us things and services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^So I see OP's DD did have ADOS and it wasn't just the inexperienced developmental pediatrician who diagnosed ASD as stated on the first post.

Go see the Camarata's if you wish... it's a journey.

ADOS with an inexperienced tester can lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Developmental pediatrician. Camarata’s are good for a nonverbal IQ year and that’s pretty much it.
There’s no follow up or any kind of support from them. Take your child to a good dev ped regularly.
They will have recommendations for you.

Not our experience at all with the Camaratas. They conferenced in our IEPs, gave us a strategic plan of action, etc.

OP you can also schedule a phone conference with Mary. I know several people who have done this and to a person they were all happy they did.

A lot of DCUM posters have complained that they don't give the extended support and individual attention the way they used to. Personally, I think that follow-up is very important. No matter how skilled they are, I still want someone who continue to provide support as needed.

I personally called and emailed Mary and Stephen for the better part of six months and I received no reply. After six months Mary called and said that they are a ‘busy clinic and that they don’t offer any ongoing support’. I regret wasting a year plus of my son’s developmental life listening to what they told me to do with him. It did not help him and we needed more support and we didn’t get it. If you think that you need anything except a one time report one in your child’s life I would not spend the money and time to go there.

Dr. Camarata does not respond which is frustrating. You have to go through the clinic/his secretary to book an appointment. You don't go directly to him. We needed a one time report but only got raw numbers. He does not write his own reports and works with another SLP (clinic chooses) and she was terrible.

Mary does return calls eventually but you have to call many times. She needs a secretary or help but she doesn't charge a huge amount and probably cannot afford to pay for help in less she increased her rates.

They are good for one time-in person help. Years ago I think they were very active but they have branched out with books and other things and are not really child/patient based anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, can you say where you DD was evaluated? Because it may be a fancy children's hospital, but that doesn't mean its one of the top places for autism assessment.

You need another ADOS with someone experienced with toddlers and who will also take into account videos of your DD if you think her behavior will be very different with the testers. You said you were considering the Camaratas; why not instead go to one of the actual autism clinics at Vanderbilt? They have a clinic for very young kids that might be worth checking out?

www.childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org/clinic/autism-clinic-children-under-3

If the concern is language, they are best off with the Camarata's. Its an easy trip and even private pay, its far cheaper than an evaluation here.

Her concern is getting a second opinion autism evaluation; so should be an autism clinic.

No, you don't want an autism clinic. You want a place that does a differential diagnosis. Look at the earlier stat of the places that diagnose almost everyone that walks through their does with autism.

Our local children's hospital that evaluates for autism only gives an autism diagnosis about 40 percent of the time. That's because they are doing a differential diagnosis, which is the gold standard.

Agreed, but ideally any autism clinic doing evaluations would give a differential diagnosis! I can believe that some are more rigorous than others; which is why it would be GREAT to tell OP the name of your clinic; or if not, the way you discerned that they did a good job.

My son was evaluated at 2.5 by a developmental pediatrician for about 1 hour and left with an ASD diagnosis. I went there for guidance and suggestions and left with a diagnosis. There was no differential diagnosis, it was simply "checking the boxes". My son does have symptoms of ASD, however, there are other factors such as hearing loss that were not factored in at all. With that being said, all providers and clinics are not the same. Trust your gut, do your research and get second opinions.

At least you got an hour. We had about 45 minutes with a developmental ped who barely interacted with my son

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We used the information they gave us to fight for our kid.

Could you explain in more detail how the information the Camaratas gave you helped you fight for your kid.