Autism Special Section - Frequently Asked Questions

Shayla from Marietta asks: My autistic son is six years and would like to know if you have a list of schools in Georgia for autistic children.

[Melinda Scarborough]

Two questions in the autism forum have not been addressed adequately: 1. Can you recommend a pasychiatrist who specializes in helping autistic children? Many psychiatrists do not specialize in this area and know very little about high funtioning autism such as Asperger's Syndorme. 2. Can you suggest a summer program that is specific for children with autism? Most summer programs that are primarily for "normal" children do not have counselors that know how to handle autistic children so "blending in with the crowd" just doesn't work. Children with special needs need special care.

[asperger buster]

http://www.brainbalancecenters.com/
I've heard good things about this method. my wife and i will be checking it out next week.

-a|ex

[Ms Galloway in Kennesaw]

My 2 year old son has been diagnosed with PDD. It has been proven that early intervention is crucial for a child when facing this diagnosis. I am very disheartened that I have been trying to contact Dr. Trapani at the Marcus Institute since July and have been unable to get a phone call back from Dr. Trapani after submitting my paperwork. I have left continuous messages for Dr. Trapani to ask for information on admissions into the program or some recommendations for alternative similar programs if there is indeed a long waiting list. Despite being told that they would be calling me within two weeks of the submission of my paperwork to meet with the families that are awaiting entrance into the program. I have pleaded with Dr. Trapani's voice-mail to just get a call back. To no avail, this has not happened. I find it quite disturbing when I see post from the same women that has not even given me the common courtesy to call me back posting to other families about advice on children and avenues in which they can get help. It would seem as if Dr. Trapping would need to follow up with her responsibilities at the Marcus Institute. At least do her own part in this most frustrating journey that a parent faces when attempting to get help for their children with PDD/Autism. Perhaps if her own children were faced with this diagnosis she would be more sympathetic to each and every parent that calls and applies to the Early Intervention program expecting to hear back from her. It is quite ironic it is called "Early intervention." By the time I hear back from Dr. Trapani, it will clearly be too late. I do not know why her message says that she will call back within 24 hours. I have begged her for just a return call 120 days later I have had no response to my messages. My sons current therapist said that she is baffled. She has seen a trend with the Early Intervention program at the Marcus Institute. Some of her clients get put on the waiting list while others get in right away. Hmm? Makes you wonder why they are very responsive to some parents and not to others. I can only pray that it is not a racial issue. It does make me wonder why when I was originally contacted by Dr. Trappani she told me nothing about a waiting list even when I asked she just said that she would mail me an application right away, which she did. After all of my paperwork went in. NO RETURN CALL. Either Dr. Trappani is not professional or there are some practices at the Marcus Institute that need to be investigated. Is there any other contact/ program that at someone can suggest other than Dr. Trapani and the Marcus Institute. This is nothing personal, I just want help for my son.

[Ms Galloway in Kennesaw]

My 2 year old son has been diagnosed with PDD. It has been proven that early intervention is crucial for a child when facing this diagnosis. I am very disheartened that I have been trying to contact the Marcus Institute since July and have been unable to get a phone call back from Dr. Trapani after submitting my paperwork. I have left continuous messages for Dr. Trapani to ask for information on admissions into the program or some recommendations for alternative similar programs if there is indeed a long waiting list. Despite being told that they would be calling me within two weeks of the submission of my paperwork to meet with the families that are awaiting entrance into the program. I have pleaded with Dr. Trapani's voice-mail to just get a call back. To no avail, this has not happened. I find it quite disturbing when I see post from the same women that has not even given me the common courtesy to call me back posting to other families about advice on children and avenues in which they can get help. It would seem as if Dr. Trapping would need to follow up with her responsibilities at the Marcus Institute. At least do her own part in this most frustrating journey that a parent faces when attempting to get help for their children with PDD/Autism. Perhaps if her own children were faced with this diagnosis she would be more sympathetic to each and every parent that calls and applies to the Early Intervention program expecting to hear back from her. It is quite ironic it is called "Early intervention." By the time I hear back from Dr. Trapani, it will clearly be too late. I do not know why her message says that she will call back within 24 hours. After begging for just a return call 120 days later I have had no response to my messages. My sons current therapist said that she is baffled. She has seen a trend with the Early Intervention program at the Marcus Institute. Some of her clients get put on the waiting list while others get in right away. Hmm? Makes you wonder why they are very responsive to some parents and not to others. I can only pray that it is not a racial issue. It does make me wonder why When I was originally contacted by Dr. Trappani she told me nothing about a waiting list even when I asked. After all of my paperwork went in. NO RETURN CALL. Either Dr. Trappani is not professional or there are some practices at the Marcus Institute that need to be investigated.

[BOSS Anlsee]

aww