Well... it's official.... got the dx

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-04-2005
Well... it's official.... got the dx
3
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 9:48pm

We got the official PDD-NOS diagnosis this evening.

Tait-R-Tot #2

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 05-06-2005 - 11:30pm

Sending along Hugs Stef! No matter how ready I have been for a dx it still hits me when it actually happens. I think up until the actual dx I keep thinking that maybe just maybe the doctor will tell me I am nuts and they will out grow what ever it is that is going on, lol.

As far as the CARS go, I don't know why he did that. But perhaps he felt like he had enough information from that screening to make a diagnosis per the DSM. On those kinds of appointments with doctors it had been my experience that they interview me and ask some questions related to the DSM(not do a whole specific eval), observe the kids and try to evaluate them some, and look over reports. Then they make a diagnosis based on the DSM. Some doctors have gone over the DSM with me to tell me how they felt the kids fit into that specific diagnosis. Most will answer all the questions I have. I usually have a ton to make sure the dx is accurate.

I haven't had good experience with various autism rating scales. It is so dependent on who is being interviewed and who is doing the test. Mike had the ASDS (Asperger syndrome diagnostic scale) done by his school when he was 7. One completed by me and 1 by each of his 2 teachers. 3 done, 3 completely different scores.

It is a tool just to help make diagnostics but if you are concerned then call him and ask why he only did the 6 part subtest rather than the whole test.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Sat, 05-07-2005 - 5:34pm

Hi Stef,

I was wondering how the appt went! I'm glad you were given an official dx. I wish I could tell you if our dr did the whole test or not....but I can't remember. We had to do alot of paperwork. Nathan also took the GARS test too. And we had filled out paperwork thru the school, as well....so it's all a blurr to me now. I agree with Renee though, if you have concerns about why they didn't do the whole test, I would call and ask.

Was the dr able to point you in any direction as to what Zach would benefit from in preschool? I hope he was able to answer all your questions, and give you some more insight that would be helpful in picking a preschool for Zach.

Michelle

Avatar for cathby
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2003
Sun, 05-08-2005 - 1:47pm

Hi Stef,

Hugs on the dx. I'll be honest and tell you I remember your first post and thinking that your little guy sounded a lot like mine.

I know what you mean about the relief. To me, it's the unknown that's the worst.

Jack was given the CARS at his first dev. ped appt. They said they usually do it themselves, based on what they've seen, when the parent isn't even there. But the 1st time she had some questions and so I helped her complete it. I doubt it was 15 categories, that sounds long! This time it was done again (only because we asked) but I wasn't even there.

You gotta' remember that a PDD-NOS dx. isn't based on a blood test or anything. It's the practitioners clinical experience. The CARS isn't necessary to get a dx., but is sometimes informative.

Take care and happy Mother's Day. I hope you're having an easy and enjoyable pregnancy.

Cathy (and Jack Attak, 3.10 years -- PDD-NOS)