Need help finding any Autism spectrum doctors, for an adult

Submitted by OldTreePuncher t3_107kblh in baltimore

(I am scattered and frustrated, so if this doens't make sense, please let me know)

We are somewhat new to the area and are trying to find an Autism Doctor for a 19yo.

He needs treatment for anxiety, and vocational, as well as an updated diagnosis. This is what we were told by several groups in the area, because he was originally diagnosed when he was 5, and with him being an "Adult" now, it needs to be updated

I've torn through google, called all Medical centers I can find, and no one is taking new patients. I've talked with all of the Autism support groups in the area, and most were actually no help at all.

BCBS (my insurance), has also been less than helpful as their "find a Dr portal" is so out of date its not even funny.

If there is a better subreddit to post this, please let me know.

I have all the paperwork from his diagnosis, and testing, and can call anywhere, I am just at my whits end after searching and being told by everyone that "They are not accepting new patients", "We have a 1 year waiting list, but we don't add new people to it", or just wrong numbers listed online.

Editted: I tried to make things clearer.

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Saint_Blaise t1_j3mssjw wrote

What groups are telling you an "updated" diagnosis is needed? Are you trying to get DD funding?

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OldTreePuncher OP t1_j3mtdht wrote

Several support groups in the area we tried to enroll him with. (Autism Society Balt-Cheseapeake, League for People, and a few others)

We have an SSI appointment in a few weeks. I assumed they would also want it, but he had been on SSI before, and they still have copies of all of his paperwork, so I could be wrong there.

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Saint_Blaise t1_j3mus5y wrote

I work in the field. I've never heard of an agency requiring an "updated" diagnosis. Most adults with whom I work were diagnosed at age 2. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk further.

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OldTreePuncher OP t1_j3mvbr2 wrote

I will PM you in a few here, I want to make sure I have all my thoughts right. Thank you

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thatssocialworkbaby t1_j3mta6e wrote

If you’re not seeking treatment, why do you want an updated diagnosis? The answer to that will direct my recommendations.

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OldTreePuncher OP t1_j3mu2xg wrote

He does need treatment, my original post has been editted, because I misrepresented what I meant to say. I apologize for that.

He has anxiety, and needs help with Vocational skills. He does not need behavioral help. He manages himself for the most part, no "meltdowns" or "out bursts". He just gets lost in what he is doing, and if its right.

Does this make sense?

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exdrake t1_j3n401r wrote

not sure if you’ve tried sheppard pratt already, but they offer vocational services and other behavioral health services that may be helpful.

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OldTreePuncher OP t1_j3n5xll wrote

> sheppard pratt

I actually spoke with them this morning. Ironically enough they were the last place I talked to before making this post.

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youre_soaking_in_it t1_j3p5ryp wrote

We go to the Center for Autism and Spectrum Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger on Greenspring Ave. like one of the previous posters suggested.

My son didn't really benefit from behavioral therapy, but he did see a psychiatrist and got medication for violent outbursts which has helped some.

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tameableparrot t1_j3n9upt wrote

Have you contacted Itineris? They work exclusively with autistic adults.

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OldTreePuncher OP t1_j3nbw0j wrote

They are not on my list, I will look them up now, thank you

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Ms_Cranky_Pants t1_j3ntoqw wrote

Not sure about openings/waitlists, accessing services has been increasingly more difficult. Support jobs are low-paying/high stress:

Center for Autism and Spectrum Related Disorders at Kennedy Krieger: 443-923-7630, option 2;

Bloom Health Services: 667-668-2566

Complete Wellness: 443-438-7863

To access support programs (vocational, social, etc.) Clients have to be referred to most programming through them, the records you describe should be sufficient. There is an online .pdf that you can print and mail (they are in the stone ages), have to be diligent about following up.

Maryland DDA services: https://health.maryland.gov/dda/pages/howtoapply.aspx

Hussman Center for Adults with Autism: https://www.towson.edu/iwb/centers/hussman/programs/

League for People with Disabilities: https://www.leagueforpeople.org/youth-autism-services

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No_name_Johnson t1_j3o19kp wrote

Sheppard Pratt has good therapy programs, also ARC of Baltimore in Towson does a lot of vocational work. It might also be helpful to get a referral from his PCP

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lone_geek t1_j3procg wrote

Recommend posting in the autism / Asperger's / HFA sections of Reddit as well. My GP (JHU Remington physicians) prescribed me my anxiety meds.

You may want to also look at prescription acid blocker meds, lots of us suffer from chronic acid reflux.

My last therapist through BCBS I saw online. She didn't specialize in autism spectrum but was helpful.

Feel free to message me.

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