Behavioral Pediatricians

[Anonymous]

My regular pediatrician gave me a referral to a Behavioral Pediatrician at the University of Maryland Baltimore. It's a bit of a drive, but she said they were the best around. I called to make an appointment, and was told that I couldn't get my three year old in until May.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am in the College Park area of Maryland, but willing to drive, or Metro in.

There is just no way I can wait 8 or 9 months for an appointment. I can understand not getting an appointment until Nov. or Dec., but will all that is going on with my son, I know that he needs to be seen, diagnosed, and treated as soon as possible. I had put things off, thinking it was a phase, and being in denial. I know now that there is something real going on with him, and he needs some sort of intervention ASAP.

[Anonymous]

unfortunately that will be the case for most behavioral pediatricians. The wait is typically that long. try getting onto waiting lists so that you could be called if someone cancels.

we waited 5 months to see one, and I can not recommend her at all, so I won't tell you her name. It was a waste of time.

[Anonymous]

This is completely discouraging.

[Anonymous]

How does a behavioral pediatrician differ from a developmental pediatrician? Or a child psychologist/psychiatrist? Why do you need to see a behavioral ped in particular?

[Anonymous]

PP here... the reason I ask is that maybe there is another avenue you can pursue in the meantime... maybe someone who has been through it can tell you what they did and can share resources.

[Anonymous]

Don't know why you want a behavioral pediatrician, but a friend of mine tried in step in fairfax va and they did an observation of their son in daycare and gave a good assessment of the problem and solution. http://www.insteppc.com/ I can't remember if their son was 3 or 4.
They are sociologists trained in behaviorial issues.

[Anonymous]

The wait will likely be almost as long, but I've worked with several families who have seen Dr. Dan Shapiro out of Rockville. People rave about him. (I'm a special educator)

[Anonymous]

We see Dan Shapiro and I think he is fabulous but I believe his practice is closed. There's such a need for such doctors.

If you are concerned about an autistic spectrum disorder I have heard good things about the PDD clinic at Children's, Laura Kenworthy in particular. But I believe the wait there is very long.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried the county program? At least they could evaluate him for a special preschool program or he could get some services to help him in the meantime?

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Thanks everyone. I am so new to all of this, that I really am not sure where to start. My pediatrician gave me another list of providers to call. Pretty much everyone from Children's to the county.

My biggest concern, other than his bad behavior, is that he seems to be disconnected from people. He won't talk to anyone at school. During carpet time he will sit on the carpet with the other kids, but doesn't really interact with anyone. One of the teachers babysits for us, and when ds went into her class for an afternoon, he wouldn't even talk to her. She of course mentioned to another teacher that he isn't like that at home. It amazed the other teacher that my DS actually spoke.

At home there are other battles. He flips out easily, and is inconsolable. He bites, yells, screams, hits, and refuses to sit or sleep. Now, I do understand that he is not quite four, and is probably exhausted from being good all day long. However, my gut tells me that this is more than just letting it all out.

He has always been way ahead of the curve. He had dozens of words at the age of one, and by one and a half could ride a tricycle (using the peddles). He still has all the physical coordination, but has stopped using a lot of his words. Now he will often grunt or use a clicking language (think "The Gods Must be Crazy"). Then he gets really angry when people don't understand him.

[Anonymous]

this sounds alarming to me as an autism mom. You might want to ask for an evaluation through the school system while you wait for the other pediatrician to see him. He sounds very much like my son, it sounds like he may have regressed and have sensory issues. I cannot judge it from what you just write here, but I understand wholeheartedly how difficult it is to manage children with such a temper. Please approach the teachers to ask them to refer him for evaluations through the school system.

one thing I can tell you is that it was a fight to get a diagnosis and to get my child the services needed. I cannot even count the calls I had to make anymore. But it worked out.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I would also call Kennedy Kreiger in Baltimore. Get on several lists for a cancellation.

[Anonymous]

OP Mom, I hate to say it, but I would not follow the advice of relying on the county. They do not have the expertise to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (as I sense the dianosis might be) I would have your regular pediatrician contact Children's to try to get you in sooner. Private pediatric psychology practices in the area are pricey, but could probably see you sooner than Children's. You are right, you don't want to wait for assistance.

[Anonymous]

You could also give Dr Stephen Mott at Georgetown a call. we were originally going to have an appointment in April but got in last week after two people had cancelled their appointments.