Expert: Catherine Ridenour - 7/3/2005

Question
Hello Ms. Ridenour,
I have a 4 year old son with autistic-like behaviors,but it has not been medically confirmed.
My son is unable to speak,lines things up and does not understand many things.

A social worker wants to speak to my child's doctor about an occupational therapist coming to my home to treat my son.
Personally,I do not want my son's doctor to share medical records to anyone without my permission and I am not interested in occupational therapy services.
My son will be getting needed services through the school system when he enters next year.

My son's doctor has never mentioned my son needs an occupational therapist's assistance.I think this social worker is just meddling.
She had asked me to mention the subject to my child's doctor but I have not done so.So now she wants to talk to my child's doctor herself.

Am I required to get those services to my son against my wishes?
I can care for my son myself and I have plenty of help from my teenage children.So I don't know why the social worker wants me to do this.

Please advise me if you can,thank you.

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

Your doctor cannot share information without your consent. The new HIPPA regulations insure that.  

But, there are some good reasons to consider working with the occupational therapist.

Autism is not something your son will "outgrow."  

Waiting until your son enters school in a year leaves him another year without treatment.  It is important to fully evaluate his needs as soon as possible.

Without the ability speak and understand, your son is at a distinct disadvantage.  Getting a head start on catching up will make his life much easier.

You don't say how a social worker got involved. Regardless, I don't think the social worker is implying that you cannot care for your son.  She or he is trying to hook you up with people who have special training in helping your son reach his fullest potential.  Occupational therapists use everyday activities and play to help children develop speech and social skills.

Depending on the state you live in, your son may entitled to educational services from the moment he is diagnosed.  This means some children qualify almost at birth.  The interventions and training offered can make a world of difference in the later success of these children.

The important thing to remember is that without a diagnosis, a "label", there will be no services.  Talk to your doctor about this.  

Also, visit some of these websites for more information about autism.

http://www.autismasperger.net
http://www.autism-society.org

Best wishes,
Catherine