The reason I have to travel is basically the same thing, the closest places to me that have openings don't take people from other areas. Even though they are only 10 minutes away. So I have to literally drive out of state, where they don't care where you live as long as you can pay the bill... lol.

Well, look into pediatric neurologists and developmental pediatricians. Contact medicaid and let them know your situation and see what they can do to help.

My kids are on Medicaid with a different plan called CMS which is for those who have some type of disability They have no clue and also like you we have to travel 1 1/2 hrs, we do have closer ones but they don't like taking someone from another county and they only do internal referrals which is a bunch of crap, you would think people who have this would be able to go to any specialist, but nooo!
Most of the Dr's who deal with ASD are psychologists , I want a real Dr someone who can run the right tests just a CBC. It's just plain ridiculous anymore.

I didn't realize he was much older. I thought we were talking about a younger child!

I am sorry! I assumed you were newer to the struggle! But, it doesn't change my opinion on the burden often falling on the parents to get the ball rolling. It SHOULD NOT be like that, but more often than not, it is.

So what you may really need is perhaps someone specializing in SPD?

Have you contacted your insurance to see what places are covered under them? Often, insurance companies have lists of providers that accept your insurance company. Then you can take a look at the list for doctors that help with SPD, call them, explain your sons situation and see if they can help... after that, go directly to his PCP and request a referral for one of these doctors. Find a pediatric neurologist, too, that deals with autism and SPD that accepts your insurance and get your doctor to give a referral for them, too.

If you can manage it, look further away from home as well. I have some doctors I have to drive an hour away to see. (My psychologist and psychiatrist I have to drive an hour away into another state to see because the mental health system in my state is HORRIBLE!!!) I also have to drive to another state for my sons eye doctor (1 1/2 hour drive there...)

Even for MYSELF, I can go see my PCP and tell him "I'm having this problem" and he'll say "Okay?" I have to tell him, "Listen, I am having this issue, I would like to see a specialist, please give me a referral to a suchandsuch doctor, I already have one in mind that accepts my insurance." And then he'll give one. But if I don't walk in and say that - he'll just write it off... put it in my chart and ignore it otherwise.

I think though, going through your insurance provider list first is going to be key to getting him the help he needs.

@A MyAutismTeam Member, my son is 15, They gave me a list of places for OT to help with his sensory issues with food and I can't find one, I called everyone on the list for this type of therapy but no one does it. It's just getting ridiculous.. No Dr has even suggested a neuro dr at all, my insurance is horrible and it's for kids with different disabilities.. :(

Mentioned Users

A MyAutis...

I also want to point out that, as unfortunate as it is, the burden to get your child the help they need falls on you. If a doctor believes the child will benefit from certain things they may make recommendations or give you a referral. But, a lot of parents must take those extra steps themselves to get their children help.

My sons neurologist managed to get my son a prescription for Horse Therapy - and got my insurance to cover it. He rides horses, pets them etc. It's run by a farm that trains horses to be therapy horses.

Find out what services are covered under your insurance. ABA? Therapy? Etc. Get allergy testing done - a lot of children with Autism also have allergies, and I am not just talking about Gluten or Dairy - I mean, they are allergic to a wide range of things, foods and environmental.

Find a pre-school that knows Autism and get him enrolled. Reach out to local places that may offer support. If you live near a University, often they have a program for children with Autism.

If he's already now school-age, get his IEP going. With a diagnosis, the school HAS to accommodate him.