Finally Got The ADOS

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Hi all! I Have not visited here for a long time. I Have a now 7 year old whom we believe to be on the spectrum. We have had a really hard time getting him an evaluation that my insurance would cover. I have taken him to psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, etc. who all said they saw my concerns, but we're not equipped to do the proper testing. And, I cou not find a clinic or neuro psychologist who I could afford. Finally, the social worker at his school was able to get him in a research study which provides him with a full evaluation and diagnosis. He had the testing Thursday. It could be a couple of months before we get the results, because we have to go to 3 more appointments. But, I am relieved that we are moving forward.

I don't understand. The ADOS isn't necessary for diagnosis most places, though certain services require. But a psychologist or doctor can diagnose ASD and the school district needs to review ther report, they can disagree about the need for services, but they have to accept the diagnosis as valid and then consider what is needed. Was no one willing to make a diagnosis without an ADOS?

No one was willing to make a diagnosis with the ADOS, or at least a specialist who works only with kids suspected to be on the spectrum. And, none of the professionals I took him to were able to do the proper testing. I found a couple of places, who actually did not do ADOS, who fought with my insurance to cover, but failed. I Was particularly looking for an ADOS as well, because there are certain public school ASD school programs here who require it to be considered for admission. all of the docs I took him to felt he was most likely on the spectrum, but because he is very verbal, friendly, seems very mildly on it (if he is), they did not want to definitively diagnose it. Plus, only certain docs here will test for it, and many either don't take insurance, or don't take mine.

This is not just my experience, I know of several families who have gone through the same problems getting a diagnosis in my area. The DOE will test, but I was advised not to go that route (by all the doctors), because he would be very mildly on the spectrum and could be misdiagnosed. And, yes, I wish to receive certain services. His social issues are getting harder for him in the school setting he is in. He does not pick up on social cues or understand how to have a two way conversation. He will not intuitively get it, and I wish to get him in the right setting, or get more help.