How can I find testing for my 4 yr old?

Question

My son is 4 yrs old and he will not go potty unless I have him naked, as soon as I put anything on he goes in the pants and he does not talk at all. I have had him tested and they say he has the speech of a 1 yr old but the intelligence of a 5 yr old. I have done research on autism and alot of it describes my son perfectly but don't know where to go get him checked out to make sure. The lady that tested him last year said he just had a speech problem and it would go away but it hasn't and he is supposed to start school in august and I can NOT send him to school in diapers and not be able to talk to anyone. I mean we have our little own sign language but that is not for school. I am desperate any suggestions please help. Thank you

He hasn't been to a doctor since 2002 cause medicaid says my husband makes 1 dollar too much and florida kid care says we qualify for medicaid so I am caught and don't know what else to do

Answer 1

Get to a pediatric psychiatrist and get him tested.  Sounds like he is showing many signs of a person who would fall on the autistic spectrum.  If he is found to be autistic, he can qualify for many services.   I would do this as soon as possible.

Answer 2

i am not familiar with the medical system in the U.S sorry, but surely you could contact the Autism society and recieve some advice and guidance ? what about your local G.P, cant they help u untangle the issue? i must say i think it disgraceful that your son is not getting the health care he needs due to the structure of the health system. here in Australia, our system is not perfect but you would have access to free services to test, assess and treat your child. if your son does have autism or some other developmental problem or disease, early intervention is best, start lobbying your local politicians, write letters to the newsapapers and start making a fuss , your son needs you to be proactive with this

Answer 3

contact your child's local school. all American public school districts have an office of early childhood or special education and they are REQUIRED to help you, or send you to a place where you can be helped. From your post, it sounds like your child will go to school next year, they should be testing for Kindergarten around now. Also, have you tried Head Start? they can help, too. and if your child has special needs your income does not matter.

Answer 4

You REALLY need to get him into a Dr. He probably does have autism and there are a lot of free services he can get. He probably qualifies on his own for medicaid (your income doesn't matter) if he has a disability, and sounds like he does. My daughter is 3 and disabled with Rett Syndrome which is in the autistic spectrum and has medicaid and we make good money. He would also qualify for free therapy, like speech and other therapies he might need, like behavioral therapy which would help him with potty training. You just need to get him into 1 Dr. appt. and then that will get the ball rolling.

Answer 5

You need to call a Doctor immediately sweetie! If you don't have insurance tell them that and find a doctor that will agree to payment arrangements. More than likely he will have some sort of medical issue that will need extended care. At this point once you get a diagnosis you go back to your state medicaid and apply for medically needy health insurance. Suggest your husband works 35 hrs a week instead of 40hrs. That would decrease your income enough! And if that doesn't work, look into your surrounding states medicaid requirements. What ever you have to do.... if you need more help please contact me as [e-mail]. Take care

Answer 6

I have a special needs child.  We have moved 3 times.  Each state we have been to has an early childhood program.  They will test the children for free and provide services.  Ask the medicaid people about this or contact your local MMHR for information.  Or call the public school system.  There are schools that are specifically for children with special needs that are not old enough for Kindergarten.   We don't qualify for  medicaid.  We do get very reduced rates from our insurance company for therapy and special doctors.  We get free therapy and special help through the public school system.  Make sure you contact them first so they can help.  GET IT DONE NOW!  I am a teacher and if you wait until Kindergarten, it could take a year or two before the system truly tests him.   He has to be given some type of diagnosis before he goes in or it could be a long wait and a hard battle.   I've had very obvious students with major problems and they wouldn't test them for a year.  I hope this helps.