Do not seek a diagnosis from your family doctor.
Do not trust every counselor that says that they know autism.
Seek out an autism-competent service provider* through these three organizations,
- The Autism Society of America (local affiliates)
- US Autism Association**
- SENG (directory); 2e [autism + gifted] service providers
They also have on-line resources and in-person meetings for all people interested in understanding autism better.
If you are going to apply for Supplementary Security Income [SSI] or
Social Security Disability Insurance [SSDI] (once you have a diagnosis),
seek out a disability attorney. The good ones only charge you if they
win your case, and then it is only a nominal percentage of your initial
award.
Getting Disability Benefits for Autism
(If none are listed in your area, check your local phone directory.)
Parents, if your income is low enough and your child's severity level is
high enough, apply for SSI on their behalf. Once accepted, they can get
medical assistance to help with their medical expenses.
*Many who advertise that they are for children will agree to see adult patients, by request.
**Also good for 2e [twice exceptional] resources.
I have suffered another blow. I have not had success with psychs/counselors.
ReplyDeleteI tried one who claimed to specialize in autism, a parent of autistic twins, but she terrified me.
I thought that I might try a psych/counselor who is autistic.
How might I find one?
Have you contacted your local affiliate of the Autism Society or the US Autism Association for their recommendations?
DeleteIf you are gifted, too, SENG may also have some recommendations.