My son was tested at school for autism and was found to have some symptoms but he is not severe enough for the school to classify him as such. They did recommend having him professionally tested and have blood work done. I live near Omaha, NE and was wondering if there were any doctors near here that anyone would recommended.
2006-11-21 06:29:13 · 3 answers · asked by aimee4frogs 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
The blood work is for genetic testing. In some autism disorders the X chromosone is longer on one side.
2006-11-21 08:33:34 · update #1
I am not from your area, so I do not know of any doctors there. However, I am curious about the school's recommendation for blood work to confirm an autism diagnosis. As far as I know, there is no medical test for autism. Autism is diagnosed by observation of behaviors and developmental history. Doctors often do diagnose autism, but again, I believe it is from behaviors. Perhaps a psychologist may be able to confirm the diagnosis (autism is listed in the DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, from the American Psychological Association).
Here are some of my favorite resources on autism that I hope can help you in the future. Best of luck to you and your family!
Websites:
"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.southflorida.com/sfparenting/sfe-sfp-autism,0,6196233.story
Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html
Positively Autism (free online magazine, includes free lessons/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com
Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html
Books:
"Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome" by Jerry Newport
"You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom" By Paula Kluth
"Not Even Wrong: Adventures in Autism" By Paul Collins
Any book by Temple Grandin
2006-11-21 07:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by special-education-teacher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I imagine the genetic testing is for Fragile X syndrome. For recommendations, check with Creighton. They have a med school but I don't know about a hospital. An academic setting will put you closest to the state of the art treatments. Or if not there, Children's Mercy or KU Med in Kansas City are both excellent.
Please be very careful about the school's recommendations. It is not in their best interest to provide the supports for our kids. Its hard to believe but its true. (My autistic child is 16 and I have been fighting for her since first grade). You have to know your stuff and you have to be prepared to stand up to school staff to try to get what your child needs. They say that they must give your child whatever you insist he needs but it doesn't happen.
You need to have an IEP. I hope you can get connected with a good source of care for your child so you can know how to proceed and the earlier the better. There is no cure. There are however many treatments and therapies and you need all the help you can possibly get. I sound grim and it is but it is also your precious child. Very best luck to you.
2006-11-21 13:23:14 · answer #2 · answered by firstyearbabyboomer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to live in Omaha, and the only time I ever saw Amish people was when I went to the zoo. I don't know of any colonies near here, but I've been to the Amana colonies in Iowa. It's pretty fun, but mostly just for tourists. I don't think they have any fresh milk or eggs to buy, but they might.
2016-05-22 08:22:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋