Need Help Getting an Evaluation

[heathergirl67]

Hi everyone. My BIL and SIL are worried that their son might be mildly autistic. He just started kindergarden and want him evaluated. I was under the impression that you just had to request that from the school. But they think that he has to have a certain number of "outbursts" in the teacher's presence before they'll do an eval. And they say that their doctor just dismisses their concerns as a, "Well, there's nothing you can do about it" type of thing. I've read about how helpful early intervention can be, so I want him to get whatever help he needs. My questions: How can one get an evaluation from the school? We're in California, if that matters. Also, should they push their doctor for a referral? If so, then to whom? Thank you in advance for any help you can give!

[LynnS6]

They should push their doctor for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. If their doctor doesn't listen to them, then he's not serving him very well. Maybe it's time for a different doctor. Tell them to demand, not request, a referral.

The other thing they should do is keep a list of the symptoms that worry them and how often they see them. It's harder for a doctor to dismiss symptoms that are documented.

[Aridel]

The school does have to assess if they provide a request in writing. Typically parents outline concerns, and specific assessments, such as psychological, educational, OT, etc. They should keep a copy and have the package delivered certified mail, so they have a record of when it was sent. However, school assessments don't lead to diagnoses; they are intended to identify therapies or interventions needed, but only in areas that can affect school. If I were in the position you describe, I would request the assessment from the school, and also go into the pediatrician, bring a typed list of concerns and, again, specifically what they are requesting, like a developmental pediatrician appt. The pp had a great suggestion as far as journaling incidences that are worrying.

It depends on the school district, but some are far more helpful once you have a medical diagnosis and report in hand from a professional.

[Fay]

In California, evals are done through regional centers and through school districts. For the school district, all they have to do is write a letter requesting an eval, and the district must respond within 30 days. For the regional center, they may need a referral from the primary care physician, but I suggest calling to find out first.

[heathergirl67]

Thank you so much! I just passed along that information. I hope it helps them.