Autism Resources

[Trishglammy]

Hello,

    My name is Trish, and my youngest son shows signs of Autism. He is delayed, has a sensory disorder as well as beyond belief delayed speech. He just turned 4, and less then a year ago he knew maybe 5 words. He is getting better, but still has several issues. There are concepts he just doesnt understand. Not to mention his being off in his own little world. A week before he was 2years old his father kidnapped him, and while gone he was tramatized. At first his delays were said to be from that. But as time has passed, we realized it just couldnt be. It will be a 4-6 month wait to see the doctor, and the school that he gets special education from is dragging their feet to test him cuz they have to have someone come there from Children Care Hospital and School. Apparently they have to pay for it, and dragging their feet so that I get into the doctor before they have to.
 
   I am completely lost here. I dont even know where to begin getting him the help that he needs. Let alone finicial. Do we have to pay for all these therapies outside of what the school gets? Are there programs to help with that, or would get get on Social Security. I am lost. Top it off I want him to have a headstart on all this. I dont want to waste another 6 months, if he can get services now.

If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for your time, Trish

[Jen]

Hi, Trish,
I was wondering what state you are in- my understanding is that there is a certain amount of days that a school district has to test after you sign the referral. I am looking into some friends who will have more info on where you can go for help- feel free to email me privately if you dont want to be more specific here about where you live- my email is jenblackwell@insightbb.com .
It sounds like your son has been through alot (as have YOU!) and I know you want to get him the help he needs- hopefully we can find you some assistance.
Take care!
jen

[Trishglammy]

I live in South Dakota. I asked his teacher from the school about testing him, I would say at least 4 months ago if not longer. She didnt have me sign anything cuz she said that first the person just comes and observes him for a little while and decides if they will do further testing from that. But they havent even done that. But once they decide to test then I would have to sign something. Apparently, this is how they can get away with allowing such time pass. I keep asking about it, and she gives me a new excuse everytime. I understand that teachers arent paid much, but I am feeling that they arent understanding this is my kid, and if it were theres, they would be adament like me about getting this done.

My email is Trishglammy@yahoo.com if you have anything you would like to send me through there. Thanks for your time in replying!

[PattiS]

This sounds a lot like what I have gone through with my five year old. The school district kept saying we don't need to test him now well I'd finally went throught my ped and got an appt via referral with a child psychologist. It was the best decision we made within two visits he concluded our son has mild aspergers syndrome and ADHD. He is helping us with the school. PLEASE don't wait for the school district to do something I made that mistake he was in a program for two years and they never found it. If you get a referral through your doctor most insurances will except it. My heart went out to you reading your letter for I understand exactly what you mean about insurance and schools. You are your childs advocate don't give up for a minute he derserves everything he is entitled to.

[Cindy]

Hi Trish-
I am so sorry about the run around/foot dragging that you are experiencing.  Another board that I belong to has a member from SD.  If it is alright with you, I will copy your posts there and ask for her advice.
Cindy

[Trishglammy]

Thank you for your comment. I have called my doctor for a refferal, but there is a 4-6 month waiting list to see him. They have to send me some papers that I fill out and then send back. Then they set up an appt. Waiting for those papers still. I am not going to wait for the school, but I feel as though if they can do it now instead of waiting, I dont get why they arent? This is why they are there, what they are suppose to be doing, but it feels like I am asking too much or even being to protective as some have said. That I am over protective of my kids. If I am not, who will be. But this time I am not being over protective. I want my youngest son to have the same chances of having a functional adult life like any other mother would want. Its all so very frustrating. The Occupational therapist said he should have services at home as well, but I dont even know how to set that up, or how I will pay for it. I do not get child support, and I am unable to work due to a disability. So, I ask, now what? Whats a mother to do with limited resources? Let alone knowledge of what I am stepping into. I have a few books about it, but it doesnt tell you step by step what I should be doing. It helps define it, but not instructions on where to go from there.

To Cindy, yes please do.  Any help at this point is indeed a blessing in my opinion!

[Cindy]

Trish-
I'll post it here as soon as I hear something.  In the meantime I pulled a couple of SD resources out of the archives. 
Hope they help.

South Dakota
South Dakota Parent Connection
3701 West 49th Street, Suite 102
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
605-361-3171 Voice & TDD
800-640-4553 in SD
Fax: 605-361-2928
eroberts@sdparent.org
www.sdparent.org
Serves: Statewide



SOUTH DAKOTA PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY AGENCY
South Dakota Advocacy Services
221 South Central Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: (605) 224-8294
TDD: (605) 224-8294
Toll Free: (800) 658-4782 (in-state only)
FAX: (605) 224-5125
Web Page: http://www.sdadvocacy.com

Executive Director:
Robert J. Kean
E-Mail: keanr@sdadvocacy.com