Talking to Your Doctor About Autism

Your child has a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your experience with autism. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your child's care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

• Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
• Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
• Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
• Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions and Comments for Your Doctor

About Your Child

• How would you classify my child's case on a range of mild to severe?

• What can I expect from my child in terms of development?

• Will my child be able to attend a "normal" school?

About Treatment Options

• Will you be able to manage my child’s care long-term?

• Can you be, or will you recommend someone who can be, our constant advisor to evaluate my child's progress and suggest treatment changes when beneficial?

• Are there other healthcare professionals you can refer us to who can help with treatment?

• Are medicines indicated for my child? If so, what are the benefits and side effects?

About Lifestyle Changes

• What is the best way to incorporate these lifestyle changes into our lives?

• How will these changes affect my other children?

• What are the best local information resources and support for the changes we are going to have to make in our lives?

About Outlook

• Can you recommend a support group or other means of emotional support for our family?

• Are there any funding sources available for the types of support we may need?

• As my child grows, how independent will he be?

• Shall we make financial and/or guardianship arrangements in case something happens to us?

• Should we have another child? What is the chance that another child will also have autism?

References:

Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive developmental disorders). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml . Updated April 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.

Autism through the lifespan. Autism Society of America website. Available at: http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_lifespan . Updated March 2008. Accessed September 11, 2008.

Behrman RE, Kliegman R, Jenson HB. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007.

Goetz CG. Goetz’s Textbook of Clinical Neurology.3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2007.

Jacobson JL, Jacobson AM. Psychiatric Secrets.2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus; 2001.

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2004.

Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry.Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.