Asbergers (autism, parent, children, insurance)

[Luhts]

Hi. We are new to the US and I am wondering how one goes about seeking assessment for Asbergers/Autism? It may vary by state, but I thought I would throw out the general question and see what I get. Do I go to our family doctor? The school? Where would you start?

[JustJulia]

Start with your family doctor. Diagnoses can come from psychiatrists, psychologists, or other specialists.

[gimme it]

In most states there are programs for under 3 and for those who are older. What state do you live in? Maybe I can give you a resource.

[gimme it]

I see you are in NJ. Try this for starters:

The DRM Regional Resource Directory: New Jersey

and this: (scroll down the page): http://www.autismspeaks.org/communit...?sid=35&cid=33

[no kudzu]

also there is a special forum under the parenting group called Special Needs Children. There are many threads and much information about aspergers.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by Luhts

Hi. We are new to the US and I am wondering how one goes about seeking assessment for Asbergers/Autism? It may vary by state, but I thought I would throw out the general question and see what I get. Do I go to our family doctor? The school? Where would you start?

How old is your child? Where in the US are you?

You can start with the pediatrician, but probably will need a referral to a developmental pediatrician, a developmental neurologist or a psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorder.

In some states there are special autism clinics that provide diagnosis and services. In others, there are a few associated with hospitals, but the main services come from the public schools.

You can request an evaluation by the school even without a dx if you see issues with academic performance.

[Penguin_ie]

Do you have insurance?
I just went through all this in Arkansas and if we hadn't had insurance, there was a waitinglist of 14 months for asessment, but through insurance and paying some ourselves, we were able to get everything done within 3 months.