Whether your child was just diagnosed with autism, or you need additional care or services for them, it can be a daunting task to find the right healthcare professional who can help. There are so many types of healthcare professionals who provide autism-related services. Who do you go to and how do you find one that’s a right fit for your autistic child?
This is certainly a challenge I’ve encountered numerous times over the years. Sometimes, I’ve found a great healthcare provider the first time when looking for care and services for my son J. Other times, it has been trial and error to finally find a good fit for him. The most difficult was finding an adolescent psychiatrist to manage his medicine. There is a shortage of them (not only where I live but nationwide), so it was hard to find one the first. Then he retired, so I had to find another one. I am hopeful that he will be able to stay with his current doctor for a long time.
Healthcare professionals who provide autism care
Sometimes, it’s overwhelming to think just how many types of healthcare professionals provide autism care. They can include:
- Primary care physicians (pediatricians and family practice doctors)
- Psychiatrists
- Other types of specialists, depending on the issue
- Cognitive behavioral therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Music therapists
- Applied behavioral analyst therapists
- Recreational therapists
- Dietitian
- Speech therapist
I am sure there are others depending on what type of care or services your child needs, and then, of course, you add dentists and eye doctors too. It can feel like too much for a parent to try to manage.
Finding a good healthcare professional
So, how do you as a parent or caregiver start the process whenever your autistic child needs a new healthcare provider? Here are some ways I’ve found successful over the years whenever my son J has needed a new type of care.
1. Ask for a referral from your child’s primary care physician
I almost always start with the primary care physician. They usually have a good sense of other providers in the area. Many times, they know them professionally or have had feedback from other parents of children who’ve received care from them.
2. Call your local autism society or organization
Almost every state has an affiliate of the Autism Society and many areas have localized autism organizations. Find yours and give them a call. They are usually happy to point you in the right direction to identify providers in your area.
3. Search your health insurance plan’s provider directory
If the care you are seeking is covered by your health insurance, then you definitely want a provider that accepts your insurance. Log into your account and search for providers who are in-network and nearby. With that list, you can make some calls to see who is accepting new patients. It can be a tedious task, but I’ve found new healthcare professionals for my son this way, and they’ve usually worked out.
4. Talk to other parents for recommendations
Other parents of autistic children (or even friends and family with kids who don’t have autism if the care is for something more general) can be a gold mine of information. Most people will gladly share their experiences with doctors and healthcare services, so don’t be afraid to ask. I’ve gotten some wonderful recommendations this way.
5. Ask your child’s special services team at school
A lot of times, your child’s special services team members know the good providers in the area and can tell you who has a good reputation for the care they provide.
6. Inquire from your autistic child’s current therapist
If your child is already seeing a therapist of some type, ask if they know good healthcare professionals for the new type of care your child with autism needs. Sometimes, they can be the best resource for you.
Finding a new healthcare provider isn’t easy, but it’s worth taking some time to get recommendations if you can. What additional tips have helped you? Leave a comment so that we can share and encourage each other on this journey!
Additional resources
Looking for some more information? Check out these resources that are available.
The Complete Guide to Autism & Healthcare: Advice for Medical Professionals and People on the Spectrum (affiliate link)
Caring for Autism: Practical Advice from a Parent and Physician (affiliate link)
100 Questions & Answers About Autism: Expert Advice from a Physician/Parent Caregiver: Expert Advice from a Physician/Parent Caregiver (affiliate link)
Transitioning from a Pediatrician to an Adult Physician: What You Need to Know About Phasing Out of Pediatric Care (affiliate link)
