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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Does EI allow 2nd opinions
To follow up on my earlier post, I requested that a psychologist come in to evaluate my DS and as it turns out, the psychologist diagnosed him with autism. My DH is upset about the diagnosis and wants me to call the coordinator and bring in someone else for a second opinion. Does anyone know if EI allows this? Thanks.
Eta if I seek out someone on my own, would it be a child psychologist? Neurologist?
Message edited 4/1/2014 8:56:20 PM.
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Posted 4/1/14 8:10 PM  |
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adeline27
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 3121 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
What I did was I asked my sons pediatrician to recommend a developmental pediatrician or whoevever he felt I needed to go to to get a second opinion. I felt the first thing was to inform the pediatrician and then have him tell me what to do. I didn't want a second opinion with the same agency.
For me, I made my appointment, was in the middle of my 6 month wait when I cancelled. After crying many days and nights I felt the pdd-nos diagnosis was right and it did give the extra services he needed. So I never went through a second opinion with a developmental pediatrician. I would talk to your pediatrician.
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| Posted 4/1/14 9:13 PM |
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ISpoilHim
I think I got this
Member since 11/10 1523 total posts
Name:
K
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Does EI allow 2nd opinions
We had the opposite. Developmental pediatrician diagnosed DS with autism. EI sent a psychologist who could understand the diagnosis but wasn't ready to diagnose my son with autism yet. She wanted to reevaluate in 3-6 months. But we received additional services after this evaluation. DS definitely needs the additional services. We're getting ready to transition out of EI and I plan to have the issue revisited.
Message edited 4/2/2014 7:52:59 AM.
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| Posted 4/2/14 7:52 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
you can go to a neurologist. That who is gave my son the diagnosis
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| Posted 4/2/14 7:54 AM |
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Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9923 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Developmental Ped/Nurologist appts can take more than 6 months to get. If the agency saw things that pointed towards an Autism diagnosis, I would take all the services the diagnosis allows you (the earlier you start them the better) and make your appointment. A lot of things can change in the time it take for the appointment.
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| Posted 4/2/14 8:43 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Thanks all. I am willing to start therapy and accept the diagnosis, but it is my husband who is fighting me on this. He thinks they throw out the diagnosis too freely nowadays and said that had I not requested the psychologist to come in the first place, he wouldn't have been diagnosed. This situation really has been stressful. I will def tell him that it may take 6 months to see a developmental ped, good to know. But, I rather get therapy started while he is young if he does need help. Thanks for listening
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| Posted 4/2/14 8:55 AM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Does EI allow 2nd opinions
You can definitely get a second opinion but you'll be paying for it, not EI. The diagnosis is hard to accept at first by alot of people. Your husband is most likely still trying to process. DD was diagnosed at 2.5 and she is now 7.5 and my parents still think she is not autistic, just quirky lol.
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| Posted 4/2/14 9:13 AM |
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iluvmynutty
Mom to E&M
Member since 12/08 1762 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
I would make apts with a great pediatric opthamologist and ENT along with a developmental pediatrician to rule out any medical issues that could potential be interfering with skill development. I once worked with a 17 month old who was on the verge of getting an autism diagnosis when they discovered he was deaf (he passed the newborn screening!) he got hearing aides and was a different child. I've also worked with many child who were diagnosis end with autism that over time turned out that they were just severely speech and lang delayed and had a sensory processing disorder but obviously not autistic. It's so hard to tell under the age of 3 what's really going on.
Message edited 4/2/2014 11:44:44 AM.
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| Posted 4/2/14 11:42 AM |
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sapphire
LIF Adolescent
Member since 6/06 568 total posts
Name:
Elizabeth
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
I sent you an FM but I also wanted to add, an evaluation with a developmental optometrist is also highly recommended. Not sure at what age vision therapy can start but the ocular motor component is often overlooked.
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| Posted 4/2/14 12:07 PM |
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ISpoilHim
I think I got this
Member since 11/10 1523 total posts
Name:
K
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Does EI allow 2nd opinions
We had DS' hearing checked 3 times before his diagnosis. We were told twice that he is hearing impaired and would need hearing aids. Sedated ABR ruled out any hearing impairment. He has been wearing glasses for over a year due to retinopathy of prematurity.
We get so many mixed answers from medical professionals. He is/he isn't (fill in the blank). When he was first diagnosed, it was nice to have an answer. But EI took that away from us when the psychologist came. It's a roller coaster.
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| Posted 4/2/14 12:19 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by Domino
Developmental Ped/Nurologist appts can take more than 6 months to get. If the agency saw things that pointed towards an Autism diagnosis, I would take all the services the diagnosis allows you (the earlier you start them the better) and make your appointment. A lot of things can change in the time it take for the appointment.
I agree. If they gave him the diagnosis, they believe he needs the services. Take everything you can get right now and in the meantime, look into finding a developmental pediatrician to consult with regarding the diagnosis.
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| Posted 4/2/14 12:29 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by dpli
Posted by Domino
Developmental Ped/Nurologist appts can take more than 6 months to get. If the agency saw things that pointed towards an Autism diagnosis, I would take all the services the diagnosis allows you (the earlier you start them the better) and make your appointment. A lot of things can change in the time it take for the appointment.
I agree. If they gave him the diagnosis, they believe he needs the services. Take everything you can get right now and in the meantime, look into finding a developmental pediatrician to consult with regarding the diagnosis.
Thank you. DH thinks that they are quick to give out a diagnosis because they want to make money off therapy  I can't win.
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| Posted 4/2/14 1:35 PM |
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dpli
Daylight savings :)
Member since 5/05 13973 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by JDubs
Thank you. DH thinks that they are quick to give out a diagnosis because they want to make money off therapy I can't win.
It's hard to accept the diagnosis, it's all very raw right now. But at his age, they probably aren't 100% sure. But they think he needs the services and they are pretty sure the therapy will help him. When we got my DS's diagnosis, we weren't sure if it was valid or not - some of it was unclear, some of it was us being in denial. But, we were told that often at a young age, a severe speech delay can cause a child to withdraw socially and show some of the signs of Autism.
Tell him this - best case scenario, your DS gets services, shows great improvement and by the time he starts Kindergarten, they discharge him from services and he is in a mainstream class. Worst case scenario, the diagnosis is valid, and you started early with services, which makes a HUGE difference. You really have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
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| Posted 4/2/14 2:32 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by dpli
Posted by JDubs
Thank you. DH thinks that they are quick to give out a diagnosis because they want to make money off therapy I can't win.
It's hard to accept the diagnosis, it's all very raw right now. But at his age, they probably aren't 100% sure. But they think he needs the services and they are pretty sure the therapy will help him. When we got my DS's diagnosis, we weren't sure if it was valid or not - some of it was unclear, some of it was us being in denial. But, we were told that often at a young age, a severe speech delay can cause a child to withdraw socially and show some of the signs of Autism.
Tell him this - best case scenario, your DS gets services, shows great improvement and by the time he starts Kindergarten, they discharge him from services and he is in a mainstream class. Worst case scenario, the diagnosis is valid, and you started early with services, which makes a HUGE difference. You really have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
Thank you 
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| Posted 4/2/14 3:37 PM |
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babyfever24
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 3340 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by dpli
Posted by JDubs
Thank you. DH thinks that they are quick to give out a diagnosis because they want to make money off therapy I can't win.
It's hard to accept the diagnosis, it's all very raw right now. But at his age, they probably aren't 100% sure. But they think he needs the services and they are pretty sure the therapy will help him. When we got my DS's diagnosis, we weren't sure if it was valid or not - some of it was unclear, some of it was us being in denial. But, we were told that often at a young age, a severe speech delay can cause a child to withdraw socially and show some of the signs of Autism.
Tell him this - best case scenario, your DS gets services, shows great improvement and by the time he starts Kindergarten, they discharge him from services and he is in a mainstream class. Worst case scenario, the diagnosis is valid, and you started early with services, which makes a HUGE difference. You really have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
This. Would your DH feel better if you used a different agency for services verses who did the eval? HHS psychologist has nothing to gain by giving out the DX.
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| Posted 4/2/14 5:16 PM |
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Coosie
So in love with my little boy!
Member since 1/10 1889 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by babyfever24
This. Would your DH feel better if you used a different agency for services verses who did the eval? HHS psychologist has nothing to gain by giving out the DX.
This exactly. They psychologist does not provide the ongoing services so s/he has no financial gain in giving the diagnosis. Another piece to remember is the EI is a voluntary program. Your child will be offered a large variety of services with the diagnosis. If you choose not to take the diagnosis, he will be offered less. Finally, assure you DH that EI is CONFIDENTIAL!!! We do not release records to anyone without your written consent. So he really has nothing to lose. In my experience, men tend to have a much harder time dealing with the diagnosis, so don't feel alone. I actually see it a lot! Best of luck to you and your family!!
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| Posted 4/2/14 6:23 PM |
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babyfever24
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 3340 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by Coosie
Posted by babyfever24
This. Would your DH feel better if you used a different agency for services verses who did the eval? HHS psychologist has nothing to gain by giving out the DX.
This exactly. They psychologist does not provide the ongoing services so s/he has no financial gain in giving the diagnosis. Another piece to remember is the EI is a voluntary program. Your child will be offered a large variety of services with the diagnosis. If you choose not to take the diagnosis, he will be offered less. Finally, assure you DH that EI is CONFIDENTIAL!!! We do not release records to anyone without your written consent. So he really has nothing to lose. In my experience, men tend to have a much harder time dealing with the diagnosis, so don't feel alone. I actually see it a lot! Best of luck to you and your family!!
I agree, i tend to have the most trouble with dads and grandparents…..hang in there. Getting your DC services before two is the best thing you can do for them!!
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| Posted 4/2/14 7:34 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
I agree with everyone on here.Take the services they give you....you will only BENEFIT Him, not hurt him. When my son was diagnosed at 18 months...I thought someone punched me in the gut so hard My PED knew something was up when I had my concerns as well at 15 months. Make an appointment with a developmental PED or a neurologist for that 2nd opinion.
I know EI also wanyed us to get his hearing checked just to rule that out, so you may also want to make an appointment with an Audiologist. I know a great one in Suffolk.
But in the meantime...take what they give you while you wait for appointments. We are here
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| Posted 4/3/14 7:23 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by Diane
But in the meantime...take what they give you while you wait for appointments. We are here
Thanks... yes this is exactly what I want to do... the earliest I can get in with a developmental ped is June.
Thank you all so much for all the support, advice, FM's, it is very truly appreciated and I am glad a board like this exists
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| Posted 4/3/14 9:17 AM |
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PregowithTwins
My boys turned 8
Member since 5/11 2451 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by JDubs
To follow up on my earlier post, I requested that a psychologist come in to evaluate my DS and as it turns out, the psychologist diagnosed him with autism. My DH is upset about the diagnosis and wants me to call the coordinator and bring in someone else for a second opinion. Does anyone know if EI allows this? Thanks.
Eta if I seek out someone on my own, would it be a child psychologist? Neurologist?
I am sorry to hear you are going thru this.
Having to hear news like this is always difficult & understanable that your husband is upset/having hard time.
Did you suspect something with your son?
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| Posted 4/3/14 12:04 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by PregowithTwins
Posted by JDubs
To follow up on my earlier post, I requested that a psychologist come in to evaluate my DS and as it turns out, the psychologist diagnosed him with autism. My DH is upset about the diagnosis and wants me to call the coordinator and bring in someone else for a second opinion. Does anyone know if EI allows this? Thanks.
Eta if I seek out someone on my own, would it be a child psychologist? Neurologist?
Did you suspect something with your son?
After his EI evlauation was done (no recommendation for a psych was made, just speech pretty much) I came across symptoms for PDD-NOS which many of the symptoms sounded like my son. Through the helpful ladies on here I found out that the diagnosis no longer exists, but I wanted a psychologist to come in anyway just to make sure. The good news is, I think my husband is coming around because he spoke to his uncle, whose daughter was diagnosed with PDD-NOS initially a few years ago (now its just ASD) and her diagnosis dropped off.
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| Posted 4/4/14 8:56 AM |
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PregowithTwins
My boys turned 8
Member since 5/11 2451 total posts
Name:
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Re: Does EI allow 2nd opinions
Posted by JDubs
Posted by PregowithTwins
Posted by JDubs
To follow up on my earlier post, I requested that a psychologist come in to evaluate my DS and as it turns out, the psychologist diagnosed him with autism. My DH is upset about the diagnosis and wants me to call the coordinator and bring in someone else for a second opinion. Does anyone know if EI allows this? Thanks.
Eta if I seek out someone on my own, would it be a child psychologist? Neurologist?
Did you suspect something with your son?
After his EI evlauation was done (no recommendation for a psych was made, just speech pretty much) I came across symptoms for PDD-NOS which many of the symptoms sounded like my son. Through the helpful ladies on here I found out that the diagnosis no longer exists, but I wanted a psychologist to come in anyway just to make sure. The good news is, I think my husband is coming around because he spoke to his uncle, whose daughter was diagnosed with PDD-NOS initially a few years ago (now its just ASD) and her diagnosis dropped off.
Good Luck to you. Just make sure you take advantage of all services that you can get.
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| Posted 4/4/14 5:18 PM |
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