Discussions and Topics

"Ask the Doctor"

Question: Child with Autism
Dear Associated Therapists: I have been told that my daughter may be autistic. I asked her school to give me information, but have been frustrated by their answers. Even though she is very behind (she is 6), they tell me that she will grow with time and she is not far enough behind to qualify for any special help. Mrs. E., Orange County, California

Answer:
Dear Mrs. E.: Recently diagnosed autism in young children can be one of the most frustrating of all problems. Let's take it step by step.

Assessment and Diagnosis

First you need a full assessment by a qualified physican or psychologist. Autism has become a "popular" diagnosis in recent years. Part of the reason is newly available medical research on the condition. Part of the reason is that medicine and psychology are as prone to "fads" as any other group of people and, right now, autism is "in". This means that it can be mis-diagnosed by unqualified professionals who have a little information, but are not truly experts.

Once you have a diagnosis by a qualified medical expert, you will need a full assessment by a trained behavioral psychologist or psychological team. The assessment should confirm the medical diagnosis and list specific behavioral areas of strength and weakness for your daughter. Once this is done a detailed behavioral plan should be obtained. This plan should include every possible behavioral / emotional developmental area, with specific procedures for assessing progress and for obtaining progress for your daughter.

Treatment Plan

The behavioral plan will work in conjunction with the educational plans implemented by your daughter's school and district. The outside professionals brought in to implement the plan may need to attend meeting with the school and work with them throughout her education.

The medical assessment may be accomplished through your medical insurance, or by referral through the responsible public agency in your area. The rest of the services may be paid by your school district. Districts are becoming increasingly reluctant to provide the special services required by students like your daughter. We at times will recommend that you use a professional advocate or a lawyer specializing in education to negotiate or litigate the district to provide the services your daughter needs.

It is up to you to demonstrate to the district that a given service is needed. You will need to become an expert on the law as it applies to your daughter.

RECOMMENDED READING

The following books are recommended for those interested in Autism. These have been selected because of their practicality and useful information. For your convenience, links are provided below each selection, so that if you wish, you may order them from Amazon.com.

Children with Autism - A Parents Guide
Edited by Michael D. Powers, Psy.D.
Paperback - 368 pages (November 1989)
Woodbine House; ISBN: 0933149166 ; $11.96
Order from Amazon.com

Skillstreaming in Early Childhood (Book)
Dr. Ellen McGinnis, and Dr. Arnold P. Goldstein
Paperback (September 1990)
Research Press; ISBN: 0878223207; $15.95
Order from Amazon.com

Asperger's Syndrome- A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Tony Atwood
Paperback - 176 pages (November 1997)
Jessica Kingsley Pub; ISBN: 1853025771; $18.95
Order from Amazon.com

Negotiating the Special Education Maze
Winifred Anderson, , Stephen Chitwood, , and Diedre Hayden
Paperback - 264 pages 3rd edition (June 1997)
Woodbine House; ISBN: 0933149727 ; $13.56
Order from Amazon.com

RECOMMENDED WEB SITES

Syracuse University- excellent site with a variety of resources on Autism.
Center for the Study of Autism - another excellent site with many links.

Page written by: Julio J. Guerra, Ph.D.

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