Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[itsRay]

We have a Problem with our son whom is 18 yo as well as trouble with doctors and processes for getting a diagnosis I have people lined up who want to help but he needs that all important diagnosis.

His mother has cancer and I have medical problems looming myself so we need to push things along.

His problems are he Still sucks his thumb at 18 years of age, sits rocking back and forth, lack of concentration, trouble learning in normal environments (School), easily distracted, extremely shy and reserved, does not want to make friends, physically small weak and prone to sickness and passing out when stressed, can’t cope with stress (completely shuts down or gets aggravated), he has no comprehension of what it takes to survive in life and is totally dependent on others for food money and shopping etc.

On the upside when we put him in Kip Mcgrath for extra school tuition he responded extremely well but unfortunately upon leaving Kip Mcgrath he dropped in performance and was removed to a special class and became completely withdrawn and upon leaving year 10 refused to go back to school.

When he first went to a job network member they told me that “the job network process would eat him alive”, most people can see he has a problem when meeting him and are supportive but the problem seems to be getting someone to commit to an official diagnosis.

It has taken years to get a referral but after seeing the neurologist I get the impression that she may be less than interested or helpful, I need to keep the momentum going but I am very unsure of what to do next, he has had an MRI but I doubt that it will show any physical problems. If the MRI shows no problems what is the next most likely step and what should we do next?

Thanks for amy advice

[Tiggeroo]

Good morning @itsRay,

I dont have specific advice for your situation Im sorry as my situation is quite different, but I can tell you that negotiating through any diagnosis process can be so challenging without the righ people on the team for your son.

Although it was a very different pathway, getting a conclusive diagnosis and treatment plan for my partners MI started with finding the right GP to assist you through the process. For us, this meant appointments with several GP's before finding one willing to go the distance with us. Once we found our GP, he referred us out for all the appointments and tests needed, and if he wasnt happy with the response he got from a specialist (in our case Psychiatrist) he would send us somewhere else. 

We eventually got the diagnosis and treatment plan in place and it was all thanks to our amazing GP. My suggestion would be to ask around your local area (facebook groups are great for this) and see who people are recommending. Don't give up, you just need the right people on your team to help you and your family move forward!

xx

Tigs

[Louise]

If scans and tests don't show any physical problem your son may be referred to a psychiatrist who might try him on a certain medication as well as talking things over with him.

[itsRay]

Yeah finding a good Gp is hard we have been threw a few bad ones the latest one is just okay and is not very proactive.

I have never had anything to do with psychiatrists before so that will be new if we are directed down that path 

I am also wondering if a psychologist can make a diagnosis?

[NikNik]

Hi @itsRay

Just thought I'd quickly answer your question - 

Yes, psychologists can make a diagnosis.

Here is a more comprehensive overview of what psychologists do.