Neurodiagnostic testing referral

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My stepdaughter was misdiagnosed as schizophrenic until she was 12 years old, and mis-medicated as well. After her mother died, she really had a hard time, understandably, but the increase in violence landed her in the hospital 5 times in as many months. Her father and I finally, out of desperation to find this young lady some help,were referred by her doctor to Meridell Achievement Center in Liberty Hill, Texas.

We have since been eternally grateful to the good people at Meridell for helping our daughter and our family. After working with our daughter for a few days, they diagnosed her with PDD-NOS and a touch of Asperger's, and began working to change her medication slowly and help her, and us, understand what her needs truly are. Our daughter was in the center for three months and came back to us as a totally different person. That was two years ago, and despite the normal ups and downs, life has been so much better. Our daughter is succeeding in school, making friends and gaining independence and confidence. She is such a joy to be with and just recently celebrated her 15th birthday with a party at the local bowling alley and had a great time! We're so proud of her for all the hard work she's done, and we know that she can build a good life for herself, with the help of those who love her.

I would encourage anyone who needs help for their child to call Meridell and talk to one of their counselors or doctors. I would also encourage anyone who thinks they might have a child who is not being treated properly by their current doctor to seek another opinion. Don't just blindly accept diagnoses and medication being thrown at your child; if it isn't working or you're not comfortable with it, be a good advocate for your child and ask questions! If your doctor won't help you, go somewhere else.

Glad to hear your step-daughter is doing better. Lack of knowledge about autism causes a lot of us to be misdiagnosed as various other things. I was told I had attention deficit then OCD, and medicated needlessly with drugs that made me very sick. I'm shocked that someone could get it so wrong that they would think it was schizophrenia--I'm curious, though, what made them think that?

I only came on the scene in 2007 and I know that my stepdaughter was exhibiting daily rage, violent tantrums, almost total lack of control of her emotions, and was reporting auditory hallucinations. I'm assuming her doctor used that information to come to his conclusion. Her home situation was very bad...her mother was terminally ill and unable to cope with the situation, nor was she able to muster the energy to seek other help for her daughter. Her doctor was doing nothing more than throwing medication at her and making rapid med changes, which I'm sure messed with her brain chemistry in a horrible way. I wish I had been able to intervene earlier but am just glad to have found the proper help for my stepdaughter.

I'm very glad that there was someone like you to look out for your stepdaughter, and that she's made such a good recovery. You seem like a refreshingly lovely person.