[Rockies5]

what are the benefits and drawback to having a medical dignosis?<br><br>
Where do you seek one if you think the benefits are worth it?

 

[crl]

Well, I think it varies. For some a diagnosis helps with obtaining services through the public schools or insurance. I think some people find it helpful in understanding their child and in having others like family, friends, teachers, etc understand their child.<br><br>
We had DS evaluated by a neurophychologist and then by a developmental pediatrician. You can get referrals from your pediatrician or ask around. We actually made the appointments for both doctors without our ped's referral, but depending on your insurance coverage, etc you might be better off with one.<br><br>
Hope that helps.

 

[cchrissyy]

benefits: increased his services at school, focused the IEP process and helped get people serious about helping. Qualified him for state Regional center services (tons of benefits depending on individual need <a href="http://www.rceb.org/AboutUs/OurServices.htm" target="_blank">see here</a>)<br>
It has been helpful to the grandparents and to strangers, such as when I take him to a new Dr. We haven't told friends and family in general, but sometimes it's very useful to tell.<br><br>
haven't seen a single drawback yet.<br><br><br>
"We had DS evaluated by a neurophychologist and then by a developmental pediatrician"<br><br>
us too. we reserached to find the best ones, and we didn't need a referal. your insurance may vary <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[mamarhu]

The question I guess is, "What would you do with the information if you had it?"<br><br>
For YoungSon, his diagnosis (PDD-NOS, among others) allowed me to apply for SS disability payments for him. This allows me to work out of the home only part time (I am a single Mom, so a little money matters very much), so I can homeschool the Dumplings. I also use this $ for a dyslexia specialist reading tutor. We do not use any other therapies at this time (tried all sorts of stuff through the schools, but nothing was a good fit with YoungSon's needs). I had a very specific reason I needed a dx - probably wouldn't have persued it otherwise.<br><br>
I don't fear labeling as some folks do, and I have found that having words to describe YoungSon's situation has helped friends and relatives understand. But really I dx'd him myself - the docs only confirmed what I already knew.