The new pediatrician was of no help whatsoever. They called around and spoke to the psychiatrists that they had recommended and called me back with the updates: 1) “They don’t see patients under the age of 6” and 2) “send the patient to Kennedy Krieger” (Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute).
I begged the pediatrician to please just prescribe a low dose medication to help with Joseph’s anxiety so he can function and get back to school and his regular life. The doctor wouldn’t budge.
Having just started a new job, I was eligible to sign up for healthcare benefits for the whole family. I was trying to avoid this since the kids are eligible for the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) and it’s a big cost savings on our one income budget; but since Joseph’s previous developmental pediatrician is in my workplace’s healthcare plan, I quickly signed us all up for United Healthcare UHC and scheduled an appointment for Joseph to be seen.
Other good news is that Kennedy Krieger seem to be moving quicker into getting us seen by a psychiatrist since Joseph does have an official diagnosis of Autism. They have sent me instructions and a social story to go over with Joseph for the day of his appointment. Social stories are a tool for individuals with Autism to go over and understand what will take place during a social event such as a doctor’s appointment. Here is a snapshot of the social story Kennedy Krieger sent me.
We are very relieved to be returning to Joseph’s original pediatrician and going to Kennedy Krieger in the future. Our goal is to give him all the tools he needs in order to keep learning and growing.
Autism Real Talk 
I liked this post just as I liked your others. This is very helpful for parents who have autistic children. Being in the health insurance field, I have the knowledge that consistency is best for a child with autism; especially, when a doctor is working well with your child. I am glad to hear that you were able to keep the doctors you wanted. Also, your health insurance carrier should have representatives to narrow down a search for psychologist who specialize in children with autistic. I know the health insurance carrier that I work for does. Just a thought.
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I enjoyed reading your post. I have a younger cousin that has autisim and it can be challenging sometimes. I cant even imagine the things that parent that have children with autisim go through with trying to find the right pediatrician to care for their child. I am happy that you were able to find one and get more help than expected. I am seeing alot of awareness and creative ways to help children with autisim live normal lives. Theres a barber that connects with autistic children by sitting on the floor with them and interacting in a playful way succeeding at cutting the childs hair. So the more awareness there is has opened the doors for the creative opportunities to help parents that experience similar challenges. Excellent post!
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Ann-This was a great read! I’m glad that you stayed consistent and took control on your own, It’s so heart-rending to see and hear about things like this and I’m glad that you were able to get some progress. I used to work at hospital in the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy department and I’ve seen how working parents have had to fight to get the treatment that they need for their child(ren) with Autism. I know it isn’t an easy process so kudos to you Mom! You’re doing a great job!
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