Recommend Pediatrician or more?

[Anonymous]

We've only been here a month, but we need to find a regular pediatrician (among other services) for our 12 yo with Aspergers. Our California pediatrician is only going to mail prescriptions to me for so long. It would be nice to find someone with more than a passing familiarity with AS. Things are going well at the moment. I don't think we need major evaluations. So we are just looking to keep our momentum and build a new support team for the time things go pear shaped...and they will. Any recommendations? Regular Pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, psychologist, social skills, even summer programs for Aspies. We're in Takoma Park, but will drive to where ever (After LA, everything is close).

[Anonymous]

Welcome to DC! You've found a great message board - I've gotten lots of good advice from other parents here. There are lots of special needs resources in the area, too, especially compared to other cities.

Summer programs for kids with Aspergers include those at the Auburn School, which has campuses in Herndon VA and Silver Spring MD.

The developmental pediatricians most mentioned (and revered) here are Chuck Conlon and Dan Shapiro. We see Dr. Conlon and I have found him to be a good source of referrals to other professionals.

The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) gives social skills classes, and you don't have to be Jewish. I haven't used them, but participated in a workshop given by JSSA's Dr. Stanley Fagen and thought he was amazing.

I'm sure others will chime in shortly with more recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Yes, welcome! You've moved to a great place with EXCELLENT resources. We see Dr. Dan Shapiro who is amazing and our regular pediatrician is Dr. Steven Hirsch who works closely with Dr. Shapiro. I would highly recommend both!