Neuropshych evaluator who does not allows jump to ASD

[Anonymous]

Looking for a Neuropshych evaluator who is accustomed to weeding out various diagnoses and not jump right to ASD? I know I am going to catch heck, but my previously diagnosed PPD-NOS DS is going up for reevaluation soon. DS does have generalized anxiety disorder, LD- primarily language.

DS is a perfectionist, who is aware he does not meet expectations, and generally shuts down during an evaluation. He gets so nervous "with testing." Does eventually warm up, but he needs someone very patient and who will take the time to get to know him. He needs some reassurance and coaxing.

DS pediatrician says he is definitely not ASD, but a dreamy, eccentric, kind of kid. Saw Mary Camarata this Sept, and she said he definitely is not ASD. What is he, not sure exactly? Anxious, perfectionist, reserved, and a big picture kind of person (likes to watch and see how the other kids are doing it before trying it.)

[Anonymous]

I would have suggested the Camarata's. What exactly are you looking for and why? At this point, I would focus on treatment rather than diagnosis. What did she recommend. Language delays can look like a lot of other things and cause other behaviors. My son also watches before doing - I think it is part of the receptive issues.

What is he? Perfect just the way he is.

[Anonymous]

You could discuss your concerns with potential testers, and that could give you more information.

[Anonymous]

We had an excellent experience with Stixrud. Over the years, a number of school professionals have pushed an ASD diagnosis for my DS. We aren't avoiding that diagnosis but it isn't correct and isn't appropriate. DS has a language disorder, apraxia, ADHD and anxiety. The behaviors he displays are frequently associated with ASD but come from a different source. Stixrud was very good at teasing out the issues. HTH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had an excellent experience with Stixrud. Over the years, a number of school professionals have pushed an ASD diagnosis for my DS. We aren't avoiding that diagnosis but it isn't correct and isn't appropriate. DS has a language disorder, apraxia, ADHD and anxiety. The behaviors he displays are frequently associated with ASD but come from a different source. Stixrud was very good at teasing out the issues. HTH.

So, how does this affect what treatments/therapies you seek for your child, and what school placement you have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had an excellent experience with Stixrud. Over the years, a number of school professionals have pushed an ASD diagnosis for my DS. We aren't avoiding that diagnosis but it isn't correct and isn't appropriate. DS has a language disorder, apraxia, ADHD and anxiety. The behaviors he displays are frequently associated with ASD but come from a different source. Stixrud was very good at teasing out the issues. HTH.

So, how does this affect what treatments/therapies you seek for your child, and what school placement you have?

Not the first PP or the OP but how does your answer help either posters? You sound a bit defensive to me. Why would someone NOT want to get an appropriate diagnosis regardless of what the treatments are? Why would someone want their child to carry a label that is not accurate just that label can follow this child throughout the rest of their academic career?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking for a Neuropshych evaluator who is accustomed to weeding out various diagnoses and not jump right to ASD? I know I am going to catch heck, but my previously diagnosed PPD-NOS DS is going up for reevaluation soon. DS does have generalized anxiety disorder, LD- primarily language.

DS is a perfectionist, who is aware he does not meet expectations, and generally shuts down during an evaluation. He gets so nervous "with testing." Does eventually warm up, but he needs someone very patient and who will take the time to get to know him. He needs some reassurance and coaxing.

DS pediatrician says he is definitely not ASD, but a dreamy, eccentric, kind of kid. Saw Mary Camarata this Sept, and she said he definitely is not ASD. What is he, not sure exactly? Anxious, perfectionist, reserved, and a big picture kind of person (likes to watch and see how the other kids are doing it before trying it.)

OP there are a lot of skilled doctors out there. Not sure where you live or how long you are willing to wait for the evaluation but I would try Stixrud. Also Laurie Dietzel is another good one.

[Anonymous]

OP, You're probably aware that Mary Camarata nor your pediatrician can rule out ASD. I'd try Strixruid, but you still may end up with an ASD diagnosis. And that's okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, You're probably aware that Mary Camarata nor your pediatrician can rule out ASD. I'd try Strixruid, but you still may end up with an ASD diagnosis. And that's okay.

Ditto - a ped is not qualified to diagnose. FWIW, our ped insisted that our ds did not have ASD days after he was diagnosed. And it's pretty clear to me (it's been many years since then) that he does. And he's great - dreamy, creative, interesting, etc. - and doing very well.

[Anonymous]

Be careful of what you're doing - you're seeking a diagnosis but you're deciding in advance what diagnosis you'll accept.

[Anonymous]

We had a good experience at MindWell- very patient and kind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be careful of what you're doing - you're seeking a diagnosis but you're deciding in advance what diagnosis you'll accept.

+1. So who diagnosed the PDD-NOS?

A pediatrician and Mary Camarata, who is a speech pathologist, are not qualified to diagnose or rule out ASDs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a good experience at MindWell- very patient and kind.

Mindwell in Bethesda was a waste of money for us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We had an excellent experience with Stixrud. Over the years, a number of school professionals have pushed an ASD diagnosis for my DS. We aren't avoiding that diagnosis but it isn't correct and isn't appropriate. DS has a language disorder, apraxia, ADHD and anxiety. The behaviors he displays are frequently associated with ASD but come from a different source. Stixrud was very good at teasing out the issues. HTH.

So, how does this affect what treatments/therapies you seek for your child, and what school placement you have?

Not the first PP or the OP but how does your answer help either posters? You sound a bit defensive to me. Why would someone NOT want to get an appropriate diagnosis regardless of what the treatments are? Why would someone want their child to carry a label that is not accurate just that label can follow this child throughout the rest of their academic career?

Several posters, not trained in this field, are looking for diagnostic work but only if it will not result in a certain diagnosis that they don't want. Science follows the data where it leads. It doesn't decide the desired outcome in advance and then design tests or experiments around a foregone conclusion.

[Anonymous]

Why is a ped not qualified to diagnose?