[JeanLynn81]

I have been having difficulty getting my dd's pediatrician to help me diagnose her with Autism, so I am going around what he says and getting help on my own. I know all the steps I need to take to get her help now, because a family friend hooked me up with one of their friends, who has a very bright but autistic 9 year old. She is also a volunteer consultant for Defeat Autism Now, and after evaluating Alyssa, has agreed to hold me hand and take me through everything I need to do. I couldn't ask for anything more wonderful! So in my extreme excitement and relief, I have decided to make a thread here where I can journal my progress.

Alyssa now has two pieces of paper from professionals claiming that they believe she has all the signs of autism, and definately needs to be recognized.

I hope by journaling this process, I can help other parents get the help they need. Pediatricians generally aren't willing to discuss autism until a child is three, but specialists have determined that the most crucial time to begin is before the child is 2 1/2 years of age.

The first thing I needed to do is call my local regional center. I did that today and left a message with the intake. Still waiting for a call back....

I also googled Defeat Autism Now and enzymes/diet. The pediatrician kept pushing me to give my dd more milk, and it turns out, milk is bad for autistic children. I dodn't know that! I can instead, give her vitamins and enzymes (like fish oil, but I have to buy a specific kind). I can also tweak her diet a little bit and I should see some results right away. Jamie, Alyssa's consultant, said it made a HUGE difference in her daughter. I hope it helps!

Anyways, that's where I'm at right now. I'm glad I am finally getting help! The big problem, is that there are so many kids out there who need help. I have to learn how to push through the line.