Tips and Suggestions
(For dealing with doctors, schools, labs, etc.)

Many times when dealing with doctors, labs, schools, administrators, etc., it is helpful to put things in writing.  This may facilitate procedures for doctors, clarify tests for labs, explain what’s happening for administrators, or generally improve your chances for getting what you are requesting.

TIP #1:
Write a comprehensive 5-6 page developmental history of your child.  If you only do one thing, do this!  It will prove invaluable when it comes to meeting with doctors, administrators, therapists, nutritionists, or anyone who will need to know this information.  This information can be mailed or e-mailed to anyone who needs it. (Including doctors and researchers around the country and around the world)  When we presented our first developmental pediatrician with this information (one week ahead of our appointment) she was astonished.  She had never received anything like this before, and thought it was remarkable that we had taken the time to do this!  This will save an enormous amount of time during your visit reviewing information that can be learned ahead of time.  Your time can therefore be spent asking questions, discussing alternatives, and generally directing the conversation the way you - THE PARENT want it to go!  In addition, you will save yourself an enormous amount of time and energy repeatedly providing this information to different people.

TIP #2
Get a second phone line, internet connection at home, and a fax machine.  There is an enormous amount of information on the internet, and most of your correspondence will end up being through e-mail.  Beware!, there is of course a lot of suspect information out there too.  Document, document, document.  Keep well organized records.  Three ring binders work great.  Don't go overboard on trying to computerize things.  Use your computer for web searching, e-mailing, and creating documents and correspondence.

TIP #3
Prepare questions and an agenda ahead of time for your doctor and submit it to your doctor well in advance of your appointment.  Medical doctors are very busy.  Saving them time and providing them information they will be needing in advance is much appreciated by them.  This will allow your doctor the opportunity to preview your questions and find answers to your questions in advance.  It will also put you in a position of directing your consultation the way you feel you want it to go.

Tip #4
Prepare a specific list of tests for your lab and for the benefit of your doctor.  Call your lab or e-mail days in advance to cover all contingencies and questions.  This will facilitate testing and will aid the lab because there will be no confusion or misunderstanding regarding the specific tests that are to be run.  This helps your doctor out a great deal also.  Chances are, if he is a typical pediatrician, he will have no idea what half the tests are about (this is to be expected, as they are very specialized and complicated).  Again, let your doctor focus on helping your child and understanding more about autism, and not on burdensome administrative work. 

See this example of a letter pre-written by a family for a physician so sign, specifying tests and procedures:  (This is not a Medical Recommendation!)

 24Aug99

Dr. Henry Jones
123 Elm St
Anytown, USA 12345

Dr. John Goodoctor
124 Main St
Anytown, USA 12345

Dear Dr. Jones,

Patient:  Cutie Pie
 124 Broad St.
 Anytown, USA 12345
 (404) 123-4567
 DOB  8-1-96 Female

To Best Labs;

Listed below are blood tests authorized by the patient’s local Anytown Pediatrician, Dr. Henry Jones and requested by Dr. Goodoctor of Anytown, USA.   Results are to be forwarded to both physicians.  For any questions or clarification on blood tests please contact either Cutest Pie, patient’s mother, or Dr. Jones’s office at the number listed above.  (Dr. Jones’s nurse, Barb can also answer any questions.)

1.  Food Allergy Profile - kit and instructions provided by Great Lab.  Upon collection of blood, patient’s parents are responsible for mailing.    (IgG and IgE - allergy)

2.  Plasma serotonin levels
     a.  Need to know nannomols per deciliter.
     b.  Need to provide ranges.

3.  Immunological test
     a. IgG and 4 subclasses
     b. IgA and 2 subclasses
     b. IgM
     c.  IgE
     d. CD Lymphocyte subsets, 3,4 and 8
     e.  NK Cell Activity
     f.  CBC w/ Differential

5.  Blood Type

6.  Hepatic Stress

7.  TSH, T3, T4

8.  Anti-MBP test #1056
     Anti Neuron Filament Protein Test #1052
     (These to be sent to Wonderful Labs for analysis. 800-422-4449)

Thanks,

Henry Jones, M.D.