autistic son

I have an autistic five year old and need to find out what I am able to get to help us with him and what I approve for.  I tried SSI and they rejected me.  

[hanikuma]

Hi there Nikki,

I am an early interventionist with experience working with kids on the autism spectrum.  Have you contacted your local school district?  If your son displays signs of autism, you will likely be eligible for intervention through your local school, or whomever they contract with to provide these services.  Your child does not need to be enrolled in the school, and does not need to be old enough for school.  In the US, the schools are responsible for providing early intervention services to children that qualify as young as 1 day old.  Services can be any combination of speech therapy, occupational or physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, cognitive therapy, social engagement therapy, and possibly others in your area.  The programs through the schools should be free of charge, though in our area families are responsible for copayments.

Call your local school and ask who you need to talk to about getting a complete developmental evaluation for you child; be sure to let them know how old he is.

Good luck!

[nikkipurple]

He is five in an early childhood program through RISE. I am trying to put him in with a good doctor who knows about autism, but they are so expensive.  I am just at a loss when it comes to finding someone that specializes in autism and is not asking for a ton of money.  I have alot of health concerns that his previous doctor keeps disregarding.  He crys alot holds his head and bites himself.  The doctor also thinks testing hom for food allergy is not needed. I dont know where to go

[Me2mommy2b]

I'm sorry that you're poor baby's not getting the attention he deserves from his doctor.  I would contact www. autismspeaks. org and ask them if they can recommend a pediatrician in your area who specilizes in autism.  Try to find as many organizations as you can to see if they can help you out with info or guide you in finding him the right care.  I hope I was of help.  Good luck.

[durhamjk1]

Nikki - I see that you are from Indianapolis - I believe that Children's Hospital in Cincy - has a few specialists that specialize in pervasive developmental disorders (autism is one of these).  You may want to check it out.