RE: Please Help with MedWaiver in Crisis & PDD NOS

[Guest guest]

Yes, but be aware that you might need more than the diagnosis to be eligible for Medwaiver services.  We had a diagnosis but APD required us to have an evaluation that supported that diagnosis.  AND, neither Dr. Baquero’s nor Tuchman’s reports were sufficient.  They wanted some form of evaluation tool that demonstrated the need (ADOS,CARS, etc) We also had these type of evals done through U of M sib study but because it was research based (and it stated that on the report) it could not be considered valid.  So, after crying a bit and asking what more and how much more could I spend, they had us go to the psychology group that they used and we ended up getting the diagnosis formally for both my children.  PITA!!!!!  They really make you work.  Of course, now we are on the list but we are told we are probably never going to get services unless there is a crisis.  Personally, I believe in prevention of a crisis and thus getting these services before a disaster happens but I guess there is not much I can do now.  So many of us seem stuck on the list.  I am hoping that some how it will help. And I hope this somehow provides you with some direction.   Good luck.  From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 4:28 AMTo: sList Subject: Re: Please Help with MedWaiver in Crisis & PDD NOS The Dan Marino Center will write the general autism diagnosis for your son. After you get this diagnosis, take it back to medwaiver. You can also appeal this crisis. They will consider new information and try to bring an attorney. DEfinitely ask for the appeal. Subject: Please Help with MedWaiver in Crisis & PDD NOSTo: sList Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011, 10:48 PM I applied for MedWaiver " In Crisis " for my son who was referred to residential treatment by his psychiatrist and psychologist after 2 Baker Acts last year and numerous other severe behavior incidents. We have CMS but they don't cover the treatments he needs. Fast forward, the APD referred my son for an evaluation with one of their psychologists who would re-evaluate him for an autism diagnosis to qualify. My son has a diagnosis of PDD NOS with autistic tendencies, LLD and sensory. But apparently the APD ONLY accepts the word " AUTISM " . So I'm thinking it's all good until I get a letter from the APD on Friday that he has been denied. Period. No re-evaluation. Nothing but the Appeals Process, which I can't see as a positive thing. So now what? Can I get a private psychologist re-evaluate him to fit the APD's criteria...how does this work and has anyone done this? My son was diagnosed 7 years ago, before Autism Spectrum Disorder was in play. Isn't PDD NOS considered ASD? What is going on here and what do I do now?