Which specialist do we consult with next?

May 20, 2009

One year after my 13y.o. ds's dx of AS/NLD, he has not made a lot of progress

with academic subjects. The school has shunted him around from special ed to

general ed, with some accommodations and not a lot of consistency. Some teachers

are complying, some are not.

He is ok socially and that is why I never even considered AS a possibility. The

neuropsych testing did reveal a deficti in Theory of Mind and exec. function

deficits, among other things. He has poor motor skills, doesn't like to write

and at the moment, simply refuses to write anything much.

Although he is very interested in History, he has an F, same for science and

math(less interested in Math).

He does suffer anxiety and tics and has trouble maintaining attention, although

the neuropsych ruled out ADHD. He is cooperative at home and usually cheerful,

although he refuses to do homework and is often " defiant " at school. He is not

explosive, mean or moody.

My question is: who do I consult next? I did not want to " medicalize " his

academic difficulties and hoped that with support and accommodations, he would

make progress this year.

I have come to the conclusion that we need to see someone to give him either

psychological help, or meds or whatever else will make his life a little easier.

I know that a lot of you have dealt with many professionals, so whom would you

say has been the most helpful/constructive? Psychiatrist, neurologist,

developmental pediatrician, witch doctor?>g<

He is seeing a SLP once a week at school, for pragmatic language and a stutter.

I am seeing his pediatrician tomorrow and would like some advice as to which

direction I should take.

Kylie in CA.

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