Making an appointment to see a Developmental Pediatrician is not as easy as one would think. Since there are only a few doctors within this sub-specialty, it may take months or even a year before your child gets an evaluation. This is especially true if you would like your child to be seen by the illustrious doctors of this field. So when that day comes, make sure you are prepared and make the long wait all worthwhile.
Here are some tips to help you prepare and hints of what your doctor might do to make the fullest out of that visit.
List down :
- all the observed changes in your child's behavior
- all the medications your child is taking
- your child's eating habits and food preference
Questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- why do you think my child does or doesn't have Autism ?
- if my child does have Autism, what are the things or changes to expect?
- what kind of intervention does my child needs and where to get it?
- how would I deal with each behavioral and sensory issues my child has?
- how would I learn more about Autism?
The doctor might ask you about these things:
- your child's developmental milestones so bring in the baby book
- what made you decide to bring in your child for consult
- anyone in the family with Autism
- other symptom that may seem unrelated to Autism ( e.g. diarrhea, constipation )
- favorite activity
- changes in level of frustration ( e.g. throwing tantrums )
- sleeping pattern
At the end of the visit, the doctor will give a summary of the assessment report which contains information about your child's current developmental status, the diagnosis and the recommended intervention e.g. Applied Behavioral Analysis, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy.
Posted by Red
Photo Credit:
Notebook & pen by Jiggoja
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