So, I'm taking ds to our doctor for a referral...

[Emmeline II]

...to a behavior clinic at a local children's hospital. Ds has only seen this doctor once so he will be hearing ds' long list behavior issues for the first time.

I'm trying to write some notes as to what to tell the Dr. I'm going to take all ds' "Offense Reports" from school but I'm not sure how to organize a school years worth of behavior problems that are not necessarily on the reports.

Any ideas ?

[daytripper75]

It seems like there are a few ways to do it. Chronologically, in order of importance/severity, or by symptom. I think that I would do it with the most extreme issues in front just in case this doctor isn't one to take the time to delve into the issues.

I hope your appointment goes well and gets some solid answers for how you can help your ds.

[Linda on the move]

For my DD's eval, I grouped by topic and did bulletted list. I didn't try to include everything, just highlights of why we were there.

I tried to keep it short and easy to skim.

I also included a "what we've tried" section.

I kept in mind that I was trying to communicate clearly with the doctor and create a paper trail of the problem.

I hope your appoint goes well too! Did you have to wait a long time for it?

[kavamamakava]

I'm assuming you will be given official forms to fill out like the BASC and maybe WISC which will give them a good snapshot of where your child is currenlty functioning. It would probably help if you could try to list triggers you have noticed like certain sounds, environments, people, foods, games, situations, etc. Also list things you do to respond to your child. Try to sort your responses into two - like things you do when you notice your child is out of sorts in order to help the child get through the experience and things you do when your child is overwhelmed and needs more firm support from you (and other care providers).

A family history timeline might help. You will likely be asked if the pregnancy was "normal", if your child was born early, late, or on time, what sort of baby he was, etc. etc. But it could help if you do a quick timeline before the appointment. When did you first notice behavior challenges? How did they present? Did he attend preschool or daycare? What was that experience like? Has he had any major illnesses?

These are questions they will likely ask you at the appointment but if you have them sorted out before you get there it will help you get to the main point of the visit which is to help your ds.

[Emmeline II]

This has been very helpful .

This Dr. is a family DO, not a ped. I got the impression from his nurse that he does not do much in behavioral medicine (she also made sure to tell me that he doesn't prescribe ADHD meds), which is fine as we are only going in for the referral to the hospital behavior clinic. The hospital behavior clinic is a 9-10 month wait for an appointment--so that would be February at the earliest. Ds will be going to a science and technology charter school next year which will hopefully help some issues like boredom and a lack of male authority figures at his current school. He will also spend a bit more one on one time with dh who will provide his transportation.

We have also contacted an occupational therapist which we will see after school ends next week.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by Emmeline II

we are only going in for the referral to the hospital behavior clinic.

From my experience, he would love a clear 1-2 page summation supporting the referral just to cover his tush.

Think "paper trail" to support the insurance company paying thousands for a evaluation.

You won't get to fill out the mounds and mounds of forms for a few more appointments!