Reply to Misdiagnosed?

Forum Index » Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities

Reply to "Misdiagnosed?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Someone once posted here a list of factors you should look for in the autism diagnostic process. It involved a multidisciplinary team and administration of the ADOS and other validated instruments. With something as serious and potentially misdiagnosed as autism I would absolutely make sure my kid got a second opinion and that all the tests were administered reliably. For the ADOS in particular I would try to get to a research center like the NIH to ensure the practitiiners were very well trained.

That said, your child has something going on to be in this place. Focus on the therapies that address the symptoms and getting a strong team put together. When your child gets closer to 4-5 everything should be much clearer. [/quote]

Here is that info. Note that most language delayed children don't get this thorough evaluation, which  is a differential diagnosis;;; ie EVERY diagnosis is on the table.

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/about-autism-2/how-to-find-a-quality-program/choosing-diagnostic-services/

Conducted by licensed physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and/or neurologists. [b]Perhaps more important than the type of specialists you see, is the training, experience, and documentation of credentials that make that individual competent to diagnose autism. Autism a complex disorder which mirrors many other developmental and psychiatric disorders. Diagnosticians should be highly competent in recognizing the wide range of normal and atypical development, as well as being trained and experiences with multiple, differential diagnoses which might better explain behavior, communication, and social deficits than autism.[/b] To assure these recommendations are met, consider a multidisciplinary evaluation.

Inquire about the college/university the clinician attended. Quality university programs are accredited by specific college boards which apply rigorous standards for curriculum and training experiences.

Multiple specialists: We highly recommend evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, with expertise across at least 2-3 areas to assure an accurate and reliable diagnosis.

Assessment Protocol:

Thorough review of history through parent/caregiver report and previous evaluations:

1. Medical
2. Developmental
3. Educational

4. Therapy
5. Family history

Interview: Parent/Caregiver and Teacher/Child care provider (when applicable): To review history and present concerns.

Standardized assessment tools: A good evaluation should include extensive history review, parent/caregiver/teacher interviews/input, direct observation, standardized assessments (when possible), and use of autism specific protocols/tools.

Beware of professionals who make a diagnosis simply by observing your child for a short period of time and who do not use diagnostic tests/tools.

Assessment Results:

Make sure you come prepared with questions for the clinician. Prepare these ahead of time. Some questions you might consider asking:

1. What are the signs or behaviors you observed that led you to the diagnosis?
2. How did my child perform on the tests that were used?
3. What severity or functioning level do you feel my child is at? Can you place him/her in a PDD, Autism, or Aspergers diagnosis?
4. What other evaluations may be needed, to confirm the diagnosis or to assist in treatment planning?
5. What therapies will be most effective?
6. What educational services and supports will be needed?
7. Am I eligible for services and/or supports through Community Mental Health?
8. Where can I get information about low cost therapies? Are there other sources of funding which are available for therapy costs?
9. Are there on-line sources which might be helpful to understand the disorder or help me locate services?
10. Where can I go to get legal advice or learn about my rights as a parent?

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics