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Finding A Doctor
Who Understands Autism
By Rachel Evans
Even if bedwetting isn’t a challenge for you, finding a doctor who
understands autism may be an obstacle you’ll need to overcome. Why? Unless a doctor
has had experience with autism, it will be unlikely that they will be able to help
effectively diagnose and treat the condition.
Autism is not a simple pervasive development disorder that can be fixed with medication
or a few trips to the psychiatrist. It is a serious disorder that affects people
differently, making each case specific to the individual.
Therefore, regardless if
you or your child’s pediatrician suspects autism, it is imperative to your child
and their future that they are referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing
and treating autism spectrum disorders. This means your child may require more than
one medical professional who specializes in autism.
The following is a list of medical
professionals that might make up the multidisciplinary assessment team an autistic
child requires:
• Child psychiatrist – Can help determine the initial diagnosis,
prescribes medications, and helps an autistic deal with social relationships and
developing emotional behavior.
• Clinical psychologist – Specialist who understands
the impact and nature of autism and other development disability disorders. They
may conduct a psychological assessment test and assist with the training of social
skills and modifying behavior.
• Development pediatrician – treats children with
health problems related to handicaps or delays in development.
• Language/speech
therapist – Helps to improve communication skills, focusing on language and speech.
• Occupational therapist – Focuses on helping those with disabilities develop daily
practical and self-
• Physical
therapist – Helps a child improve their coordination and motor skills by strengthening
muscles, joints, nerves and bones
• Social Worker – Can help arrange treatments and
services and can provide counseling services.
Once you find the professionals your
child needs, it is imperative that you work closely with them. The reason is because
although professionals have experience with autism, you are the most experienced
when it comes to the specific information regarding your child’s needs and abilities.
To effectively work together with professionals you need to:
• Educate yourself –
Learn as much as you can about autism
• Prepare yourself-
• Open communication – You don’t have to agree with everything
a professional says.
If you disagree with a recommendation voice your opinion.
If
you are unsure where you can find the right professionals that specialize in autism,
the following are some helpful suggestions:
Get More Information on Natural Remedies for Autism and other PDDs
• In your community – Visit your health care provider, hospital, or pharmacist and
ask them if they know anyone who specializes in diagnosing and treating autism. You
can also contact your government’s health department. Just remember, even if you
are referred to someone, this may not be the specialist you are looking for. Don’t
be afraid to find out their experience before making a commitment.
• Internet resources
– The internet is a fantastic resourced and has plenty of useful and helpful information
about autism, understanding and effectively helping autistics, and how to get help
in your community. Some excellent websites you can check out include:
o Autism Society
of America (http://autism-
o Autism Treatment Services of Canada (http://autisim.ca)
o National Autistic Society (http://nas.org.uk)
o http://AutisimHelpForYou.com
o
http://Autistics.org
• Support group – Getting involved in a support group that is
designed to reach out to autistics and their families can be extremely helpful for
finding a professional, as you can ask fellow members for recommendations. Support
groups also provide you with encouragement when times are tough, and allow you the
opportunity to discuss autism with others who know what you are experiencing.
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