Paed help

[Krikkit]

Hi everyone,

I am after some advice on a paed that specilises in GDD, SPD, and Autisim

I have always had my suspicions about DD (mummy gut instinct) at 33mos she seen by an OT finally, they have said its auditory disorder/ vestibular dysfunction. After a quick chat to DSC about early intervention he said its most likely once we see our Paed next week that she will be clinically diagnosed with GDD because of her age and then we have to go through the processes of eligibility.

We have an appointment next week to start gross motor therapy with our OT who I have sourced on my own as I was sick of getting no answers or the generic response that "its normal" from my GP. Daily things are getting harder, the tantrums are more extreme. Most days I am exhausted. Her signs/symptoms are ear covering, tactile, shuts down into her own world when we are in a crowded area, difficulty with gross motor skill for example climbing any play equipment or walking up down stairs (padded or normal) or any sort of elevation. Loud sounds and abnormal sounds (that we wouldn't notice) and the tantrums, meltdowns are epic and frequent, severe separation anxiety.

I have read some reviews on the paed I have been given a referral too by my GP and I am not convinced he may be the correct person to see. I won't be mentioning names. If anyone has some advice, suggestions it would be appreciated. I am a bit lost as to what to do next. I don't think just having an OT is enough to treat the issues my daughter has.

Please PM me with doctor recommendations.

[Dollyroux]

I have no advice really, I hope you get answers soon. Do you have a MCHN that you could ring - they might be able to suggest a good Pead? Good luck.

[Yael]

I don't live in Perth, so I can't help with names, but when we were in the process of getting a diagnosis for my son with ASD & SPD & gross & fine motor delay (after doing OT etc) we went to a child psychiatrist, who I found a lot better than the paed we had seen. Luckily my GP was on board and she recommended the psychiatrist (her son also has ASD), but the child psychiatrist really specialise in these things, where as paed do all things general child related..

The psychiatrist met with us for a few hours to go over history, then once with me and DS, then once or twice with DS by himself, then a school visit, and then with us again to confirm what she thought, and then a few weeks later once it had all sunk in. I felt she was very comprehensive in checking him in all environments (with parents, by himself, at school), and also over a number of occasions to make sure it wasn't a once off. We were able to claim it back on medicare (we were over the threshold), so it didn't cost us that much, but I had tried the public system for a diagnosis and that was a disaster with a capital D, so I was so happy going private and getting it done with somebody who would listen and take the time with DS, as quite frankly, and accurate diagnosis will change your life no matter what is found.

The psychiatrist doesn't do ongoing issues, so from then on we saw the paed (occasionally), a child psycholoist (regularly), OT (regularly) & speech therapist (regularly). Later we also added in social skills group which was also good.

Good luck with it all, it isn't easy, but life is a lot easier with a diagnosis... It's not a box, but a starting point to move forward from

[LuluHB]

Have PMd you krikkit

[peanutter]

Couldn't not give you some hugs.

[myturn]

Keta may be able to advise, although I think things are busy ATM for her, so if you PM her it might be best as she should get the email to say someone's looking for her
lovely lady look after yourself xox

[*Efjay*]

Just incase your GP has not informed you, you should be eligible for a EPC (Enhanced Primary Care Plan) & Also a Mental Health Care plan for your DD. That will give you a limited number of OT, Speech & Psychologist rebates through medicare.

[Krikkit]

Thanks ladies, I am trying to keep my head above water at the moment. I dont know much about EPC or MHCP... I have to visit the GP.

[Keta]

Hi. I'll pm you a couple of names paeds I have worked with in the developmental delay area. I worked privately so they will all be private which means it will cost but waitlistd are significantly smaller than the public system.

[Krikkit]

Thanks keta I have replied we are going private as much as we can

[Miss.B]

Hi hun. I'm sorry you're having such a stressful time with your DD ATM . I also can't recommend any paeds to you as I live in VIC, but I basically went to DS's paed (who was present at his birth) with some concerns before he turned 2, and he recommended an assesment by a developmental doctor after he turned 2. We went to a developmental doc who was recommended by a good friend and we've been seeing him for a year now. He specialises in ASD but didn't give DS that diagnosis as he didn't fit the main criteria, so he diagnoded him with PDD-NOS (a developmental delay disorder). Because of that diagnosis, we were able to receive the FISIA funding (I think that's what it's called) which will allows DS to see a speech and other therapists he needs (currently we see the speechie only). His delay is mainly with speech. We then registered for early intervention and waited 10 months before we got a spot and we've been going since early Feb and I've already seen improvements with DS. We are about to see the developmental doc again (his last appointment was 6 months agao) for a review. GL hun, I think early intervention will be the big help as in our group we have a range of kids with all sorts of delays, very mild to severe, and the lady there told me they usually see big improvements at he end of the first semester.