jcox
New Member
I was very impressed with Tufts. They did read the paperwork that I mailed them prior to the appoinment. He met with three doctors who work as a team. Hey three heads are better than one I think...Two of them asked me questions about Elijah, while the other doctor observed Elijah and also asked a couple questions. They asked me a series of questions pertaining to Elijah¢s background, sensory issues, pregnancy, birth, developmental history, etc.
Diagnoses: They told me that thier preliminary diagnoses are that Elijah has Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) (Pervasive Development Disorder) which is part of the Autism spectrum, but higher functioning. I always wondered about this, but none of his previous psychiatrists even suggested it. From all I read about it, I always wondered. They also say he has moderate to severe ADHD as well as a mood disorder that they will not specify at this time.
They mentioned to me that his educational needs are obviously not being met. That he needs social skills groups, sensory integration through PT, and speech therapy. He needs high structure.
I asked the doctor the criteria for hospitalization. He told me that Elijah does not need to be hospitalized just because he is sexually touching people. He told me that if he attacks somebody and seems uncontrollable, then bring him to the ER and have them transfer him to Tufts. That made me happy because they are supposed to be one of the best inpatient child psychiatric units in the state and it is usually hard to get in there. He told me that they would have a bed for him because he is a patient there. I would actually be comfortable sending him there from what I see of the doctors. He told me to tell them at the ER his psychiatric doctors are at Tufts and to call them. He said if that becomes necessary then they can do all the workups he needs while he is admitted. At this time he told me he does not believe that he needs to be hospitalized, but if he does what is stated above then he does.
I am so happy that it seems like doctor's are finally having an understanding of him, and doing all they can to get the correct diagnoses. They made us an appointment with genetics to do a complete genetic work up to rule out any type of diseases etc. After they get the results from that they are sending him for an MRI of his brain, an EKG, and possibly more testing. They also referred him to the Center for Children with Special Needs at Tufts who do complete "whole child" assesments in many areas. They specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other things.
"The professional staff of the CCSN includes developmental-behavioral pediatricians, neuropsychologists, educational specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers. Tufts Medical Center is a teaching hospital and trainees are often part of the evaluation team."
I was very impressed with Tufts. They would not change any medications yet, or even fill his prescriptions though because they said for me to see his current psychiatrist for another month while they do atleast the genetics testing, and then they will take on his medication management and most likely make some changes. They want to get to know him better first and finish his intake assessment that takes a few visits.
Well thanks again to all who listen and continue to offer support.
Janice
