Today was Lincoln's psychological evaluation with California Early Start. When he was evaluated two weeks ago we were told that his results were inconclusive as to whether he would qualify or not, and that this psychologist would be able to tell us for sure. Well we got there, and for the first time they got a 100% clear picture of what it is like dealing with Lincoln. I don't think he said two words the entire first hour that we were there. He showed them that he knew everything, and was his happy charming self, but he was out of control. He would literally run laps around the room, then stop and do a puzzle or whatever they wanted him to do, then throw all the pieces on the floor and take off running again. When they finally gave up on the evaluation and started talking to me, he played calmly on the floor and, according to the psychologist, engaged in very advanced play techniques. I'm not really sure what that means, but whatever.
So, the evaluation was over, and I was thrilled! Finally someone got to see what I see every day! She started out with how fun Lincoln is, and how smart he is. In my experience its never good when a professional starts their findings with a ten minute speech on how great your kid is at one thing. Then we FINALLY got our diagnosis. Lincoln apparently has Regulatory something disorder and sensory processing issues. Funny, I told them that same thing about the sensory issues when I first called them two months ago, and I don't have a psych. degree. So that was the good part. Then they tell me, that he DEFINITELY needs occupational therapy and speech therapy, and that he would greatly benefit from behavioural therapy as well... but they can't provide him with any of that because he is almost 3.
They told me that I can apply for services through the school district, but that he isn't going to qualify for anything besides maybe a speech group because he is just "So smart." I'm sorry, but ONLY being 5 months behind cognitively shouldn't be enough to ignore a child's other delays, in my opinion. But apparently I'm not the one writing the guidelines. She told me that my only other option was to talk to my pediatrician about getting services funded through my insurance, and when I explained to her that I had already done that and that the doctor at Balboa said that he didn't' need anything but speech therapy she said, "Oh he definitely needs it." Seriously lady, THAT DOESN'T HELP!
I asked if maybe we could start services with them, if that would help us transition to either the school district or my insurance coverage when he turns three, and she told me that we don't qualify now. I know that is not true though. I've compared the evaluation results from two weeks ago, with their qualification guidelines that they sent me certified mail this weekend, and he qualifies. I'm sure the only reason they aren't helping him is because his birthday is in six weeks, and then he won't qualify anymore.
So I walked out to my car and cried. I just feel like everything I've done in the past few months has been as waste of time. Seriously, how can they tell me that my child NEEDS a service, and then give me no option of how to get him that service?
4 comments:
How frustrating! I'd be so mad.
Do you go to a civilian doctor, or to a base hospital? Can you find out what Lincoln needs (like find a place/doctor who does it) and then ask Lincoln's doctor for a referral to them? Why should the doctor care if you see someone special, since they won't be paying for it? I had no problem getting a psych referral from Marian's ped. Maybe if you went in with a specific referral in mind they might just do it?
With Marian, I got the psych referral through her and saw a marriage and family therapist. I got to take all the kids in with me so she could see the interaction and she helped me be a better mom to them. And I mean, she REALLY helped me! Marian didn't need a shrink, but it was really helpful for us all. That might be another route you could try. Just getting ideas on how to parent Lincoln specifically might be useful I know it was for me.
Just some thoughts, and you don't have to follow any advice I give!
Oh I'm so sorry after such a great week last week. I would ask those people to send an evaluation result to that doctor at balboa I would talk to him and ask, beg plead for him to send the referrals for all the services you need, he may just do it. Sorry you are probably tired of opinoins. But he may lesson if he sees their evaluation, going through the insurance is a great way to go I think. Good luck, and I'm sorry.
First off, I am sooo sorry you had to go through this. I have been in your shoes and I had to get ugly with some people to get Eli her services. I literally went from one doctor to the next and got written documentation and prescriptions written for the speech, physical, and occupational therapy evaluations and took them to her Navy doctors and pediatricians. It worked. They put her in the EFMP program and moved us here. But I stepped on toes and made some enemies to ensure that Eli got the services she NEEDED in order to give her (and us) the early interventions that would make all the difference later. Don't let them bully you because they will do it. They will tell you that he doesn't quailfy and then the next person will tell you the same thing. Give me a call if you want someone to talk to or any info on what we did when this happened to us... Oh, and you can check out my blog too at http://naebear1982.blogspot.com/
I'm so sorry! I don't have any advice, but wanted to let you know that I'll keep you in my thoughts and hope it works out.
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