Child developmental evaluation-first available appointment December!!! Any advice to get in earlier

[Anonymous]

We live in DC and I grew up in STL.
When we were faced with the same waitlist issues we opted to fly home- to STL. Appointment was made 3 weeks out.

Like you- we were already recieving EI services.

In the year since we first went to STL- we have had to fly back two additional times. For an eye surgery/MR/lumbar puncture & a follow up. Also- in STL we were able to get all procedures done in 1 day- as where in DC they wanted to stretch it out over 2-3 days. Also- we made the appointments and scheduled everything for 2-3 weeks out.
My advice is not to go to STL, it made sense for us. But/ you might want to look elsewhere- outside the box for LOS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kennedy Krieger In Baltimore has a cancellation list where they call you day of or the day before to come in to an appointment. I only waited 3 weeks after submitting paperwork before getting called off the cancellation list, so if you have flexibility to drop your job for 2 days and run to the evaluation, you could get in much much faster.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is OP. EI has already started services, but it is not the speech part. They are working on his behavior first since he does not respond to direction and gets frustrated often. He also has an oral fixation and would chew on everything (mulch, rocks, other kids shoes, etc). We just had a parent teacher conference at his daycare and they mentioned that they have never seen a kid like him. He is very independent and won't follow direction unless it is something he wants to do. Otherwise, he acts as if he does not hear you. We had a lot of difficultly with him when he was an infant (he would not let us hold his hands to help him walk, he won't go in a crib because he hates the feeling of confinement, he won't let you swaddle him, etc.). When he was younger and did not respond to speech, I tried teaching him sign language and he would not even look at me or let me move his hands to teach him. However, he is very affectionate (loves getting hugs and giving them too, comes up to kiss people he likes). I am beginning to read "Raising a Spirited Child." I guess we would like to get him evaluated (and have been recommended to get him evaluated) because of his behavior issues.

I would say that it sounds like you and your team have a good plan in place. Generally your trip to the Dev Ped won't change the plan that much, because your team is working with you to help his behaviors and development and that would not change regardless of whether he has autism, a high spirit, sensory integration issues, etc. So I would say not to worry about the delay getting to the Dev Ped too much if DC's getting all his services. If you are concerned, ask your therapists "How would our plan change if he got a certain diagnosis because I'm concerned about the appointment delay?" and see what they have to say. - Former EI Therapist

[Anonymous]

This sounds very much like autism, not a "spirited child," and you should definitely get him evaluated ASAP. The evaluation will not only give you a diagnosis, it will also identify specific strengths and weaknesses. The right diagnosis will help you get coverage from your insurance company. You can try the Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, very reputable, but they are expensive and don't take insurance.

Also, if the daycare has, "never seen a child like this before," you should consider switching to a daycare that has had autistic kids. Even if he doesn't have autism, they'll have seen these behaviors before and be more effective in working on them.

[Anonymous]

CNMC Developmental Clinic can see rush cases (kids age 3 and younger only) 202-476-5405

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sounds very much like autism, not a "spirited child," and you should definitely get him evaluated ASAP. The evaluation will not only give you a diagnosis, it will also identify specific strengths and weaknesses. The right diagnosis will help you get coverage from your insurance company. You can try the Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, very reputable, but they are expensive and don't take insurance.

Also, if the daycare has, "never seen a child like this before," you should consider switching to a daycare that has had autistic kids. Even if he doesn't have autism, they'll have seen these behaviors before and be more effective in working on them.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Take the appointment at Children's and ask that they call you if anything opens earlier. Often they move through their list much faster.

You might also call INOVA in Fairfax, Mindwell in Chantilly or Stixrud in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

People have also recommended the University of Maryland Behavioral Clinic in Baltimore as having a shorter turnaround for appointments: http://umm.edu/programs/childrens/services/behavioral-and-developmental

Honestly with how you describe your child, I wouldn't wait another 7 months either. Also agree with the suggestion to move to a daycare where they have experience with kids who are developing differently.