Initial Doctor’s Appointment

Parents often see signs in their child that lead them to suspect that a diagnosis of autism is imminent. However, convincing a pediatrician to complete the screening process may be an uphill battle.

Medical History

Parents often keep track of their child’s milestones and shot records. A basic medical history can be an invaluable tool when diagnosing autism. Whether you keep track of this information in a baby book or use a spreadsheet, keeping accurate information will make any diagnostic screening more effective. The following information is important to track:

• Location and date of birth
• Changes is eating patterns
• Infections
• Antibiotics and medications taken
• Vaccinations record
• Developmental milestones including rolling over, smiling, sitting, crawling, talking, and walking
• Changes in the child’s life such as moving, change in family structure, changing schools
• Medical procedures including illnesses, surgeries, or treaments
• Behaviors that are of concern to parents/teachers
• Records of mother’s pregnancy, including any information on complications

Make copies of all of this information so that your doctor can keep copies for your child’s file and you can keep the originals for your records.

Discussing Concerns With Your Doctor

When you first see signs in your child that lead you to consider autism, the next step is discussing those concerns with your child’s doctor. Do not go into the appointment unprepared. Use the information below to be ready for what is to come next.

1. Do not wait for your child’s next well-child check up to discuss your concerns with the doctor. When you make the appointment, be sure to tell the receptionist specifically why you are making the appointment. Ask that you be given enough time to fully discuss your concerns. You do not want to feel rushed during your visit.
2. Be sure to ask the doctor for a referral to a specialist who is familiar with the autism spectrum. You do not have to leave the office with a diagnosis. The goal is to leave with a referral to an expert who can help you take the next step.
3. Meet with the specialist so that your child can receive an assessment that will lead to a proper diagnosis.

At the Initial Doctor’s Appointment

You have already taken the first step to make an appointment that will allow ample time to thoroughly share your concerns. Prepare yourself ahead of time by making notes regarding what you want to share in this initial meeting with your child’s doctor. When you get into the exam room, you will be nervous and you do not want to leave out any critical information concerning the symptoms you are recognizing. Be sure to gather the medical history information covered above so that the doctor has everything needed to help in the decision making process. It may also be helpful to take another adult along for support whom is familiar with your child’s condition. This person may think to mention something that you do not, and can take notes for you about what is discussed.

Getting a Referral

If your doctor is hesitant to give a referral to a specialist even after you share your concerns, the following tips may help with your case.

• Do your research ahead of time and bring any articles or websites that your doctor can reference should the doctor claim to not know enough about autism to make an educated decision. With cases on the rise, it is unlikely that this will be the case, but it is better to be prepared.
• Suggest a milestone that your child should reach in the near future and agree to revisit the autism discussion should your child not reach the milestone by the suggested time.
• If your doctor does not agree to a referral, you can file an appeal with your insurance company. There may be deadlines involved, so check with your insurance carrier immediately after your appointment to get details about filing the appeal.
• If the referral is denied, ask for an explanation in writing. Some may be hesitant to do this and it may be enough to get the doctor to agree to the referral.
• You can work on your own to find a specialist. If you have to resort to this option, insurance coverage is the biggest hurdle. Start with a list of providers included with your coverage to increase the probability that coverage will be approved. 
• If you find your own specialist and the insurance will not approve coverage you may still work to change the insurance company’s decision. If the specialist does render a diagnosis of autism, get the decision in writing. Afterward, send a copy to your child’s doctor as well as the insurance company. You may be able to argue that the doctor was negligent in refusing to award you a referral and this could lead to the insurance company awarding coverage for the visits to the specialist.

Should your attempts to obtain coverage fail, you must ultimately make the decision to afford treatment without the support of insurance.

Tagged as: Doctor's Appointment