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This weekly newsletter is mostly about the article, books, videos etc. I read or watch or my views on different topics which revolves around my head during the week. For todays Episode i would like talk about different topic which is very personal to me.
I'm your host, Sridhar Garikipati, and I'm a parent of a wonderful autistic child myself. Today, we're focusing on the critical first steps:
Getting a Autism diagnosis and
Starting therapies.
This can feel overwhelming, so we're breaking it down into manageable steps.
The Referral and the Waiting period
The journey often begins with a concern. Maybe your child isn't meeting speech milestones, has repetitive behaviors, or struggles with social interactions. If you have any concerns, the first step is to talk to your pediatrician. They are your gateway to specialized care. Ask for a referral to a child developmental pediatrician or a developmental specialist who can conduct a formal autism evaluation.
Now, here's the reality: wait times for these appointments can be long, sometimes several months. This is where proactive action is crucial. Don't just wait for the appointment your pediatrician sets up. Contact your insurance company immediately. Ask them for a list of in-network providers who can diagnose autism. This is important for coverage. Then, call each provider on the list. Ask about their current wait times. You might find significant differences. Calling your insurance back and asking them to find providers with the earliest availability can also be helpful. Be persistent and advocate for your child. Getting that initial diagnosis is the key to unlocking essential therapies.
Preparing for the Evaluation
While you're waiting for the appointment, start gathering information. The more information you can provide to the diagnostician, the better. Think about the specific behaviors and developmental differences you've observed.
Communication: Is your child’s speech delayed? Do they use gestures? Do they understand instructions?
Social Interaction: Do they make eye contact? Do they engage with other children? Do they seem interested in social play?
Repetitive Behaviors: Do they have any repetitive movements like hand flapping or rocking? Are they fixated on specific objects or routines?
Sensory Sensitivities: Are they overly sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells?
Write everything down. You can even create a timeline of your child's development. This detailed information will be invaluable to the professionals.
The Diagnosis and Insurance Approval
Once the evaluation is complete, you'll receive a formal diagnosis report. This report is essential for accessing services. Immediately send a copy to your insurance company. This is where things can sometimes get tricky. Insurance companies often require pre-authorization for therapies.
Don't be afraid to call your insurance company regularly to check on the status of your authorization. Ask them specifically what therapies are covered based on the diagnostic report. This is important because the report might recommend specific therapies like Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Finding the Right Therapists
Once you have insurance approval, it's time to find therapists. Again, your insurance company is your first resource. Ask for a list of in-network providers for each recommended therapy: Speech, OT, and ABA.
Here are some important things to consider when choosing therapists:
Experience: Do they have experience working with young children with autism?
Location and Availability: Are they conveniently located? Do they offer home-based or center-based therapy? Do their hours work with your schedule?
Personality and Approach: Does the therapist connect well with your child? Do you feel comfortable with their approach?
If your child is already in school, talk to their school district about available services. They might offer some therapies through the Individualized Education Program (IEP). It’s also important to remember that finding the right fit for your child and family may take time. Don't be afraid to try different therapists until you find the best match.
Let's recap the key steps:
Referral from your pediatrician.
Proactive contact with your insurance and providers to shorten wait times.
Thorough documentation of your child's development.
Obtaining the diagnosis report and submitting it to insurance.
Confirming insurance coverage for therapies and finding suitable therapists.
This journey can be challenging, but you are not alone. There are countless resources and support networks available. Remember to be patient with yourself and your child. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Early intervention is crucial, and by taking these steps, you're giving your child the best possible start.
Thank you for joining. We hope this information has been helpful. We'll be back next week with more tips and resources for parents of autistic children.
That is all for this week. See you again.
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