Help! I don't know where to turn...

[Unicorn]

Not sure who to see or where to go. I know that two of my dc are ad/hd, and now am starting to believe that dd #1 is as well. I saw our PCP last year and briefly put them on concerta, but I want a real/full diagnosis, and I want to rule out some things (or get a real diagnosis) w/ ds. I want more than just to fill out the DSM whatever criteria pages and get a prescription. I want them to get some behavior therapy too. I also highly suspect that dd#1 has an auditory processing disorder as well.

So, my questions... Who do I call for an eval that will tell me what I'm dealing w/ as far as the adhd, and could tell me if my ds possibly has aspergers as well? Do I call a nuerologist, child psychiatrist, or psychologist?

And who do I see about the Auditory Processing? And what do I ask for when I call?

Dh (a ps teacher) asked the specialist on his campus, and at Central office, and was told to google it and see what he could find- ie no help at all)

I am sooo overwhelmed right now. We aren't getting any school done- ds hasn't seen his math book in a month- I can't find it- I'm sitting here w/ my head pounding and my stomach in knots, trying not to vomit from the stress I am feeling w/ all of this. If you read this far- thanks for listening!

[newbie]

First of all :grouphug:.

Best way to dx Aud. Processing is neuropsych who is familiar w/Auditory processing. Also, you will need backup Audiologist who is familiar w/Auditory Processing.

If you are dealing w/ps they can get these done for you if formally requested.

Best place to look or get started w/resources in area is yellowpagesforkids.com. The second all knowing LD site is Wrightslaw.com. They have a wealth of info. and tips for getting help from ps.

HTH

[Unicorn]

Thanks, and no, we are not going through ps. I just had dh ask his campus person for recommendations, since he is a teacher. I'll check out both websites. Thanks again!

[Laurie]

www.aspergersyndrome.org

Along the left side of the homepage you'll find categories to click on like clinicians (listed by state) and information about related disorders.

:grouphug:

[happycc]

Try looking for a place called Regional Centers. They provide help for those with developmental delays. They provide assessments, services, and resources. Call them, you will go through an assessment process.
Not sure if all states have them, but they have them here in California.

As for all the other things, you need to get a neuropsych evaluation. Again yellow pages or call your local children;s hospital. They may have referrals. Our local Childrens hospital has a neurospych dept and we had my son's done there.

SInce you are homeschooling-it is very hard to get resources for free. You will have to pay for a lot out of pocket which is what we did. We couldnt wait around and fight for everything. Everyday counts in my humble opinion.

[Unicorn]

Thanks everybody. I feel better knowing what kind of doc. to look for. I'll be doing some research later!

[Misty]

The first thing you should do is a lot of googling to find someone in your area who can test your children for these issues. You will want either a child psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician to evaluate for Asperger's and ADHD. For the auditory processing disorder, you will want to find an audiologist who can test for this (not all can). Google something like "auditory processing disorder + audiologist + your city" or something like that. Once you find the doctors that you want to take your children to (and you've checked to make sure they take your insurance), then you may or may not need to go to your pediatrician to ask for a referral to take your children to these doctors. I think it would depend on your insurance company as to whether or not you need a referral from your pediatrician. Then you will likey have a long wait of about 3+ months before being seen by these specialists.Good luck!