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My MIL was telling my DH the other day that his cousins almost 3 year old DS was recently diagnosed with "pervasive autism." I thought autism was a type of pervasive developmental disorder. Is there a such thing as "pervasive autism or did my MIL get the wording wrong? She also told us his cousin had to fight to get him treatment from the years 3-5 because at 3 he will no longer qualify for early intervention and that the schools can't officially diagnose him until 5 years. It sounded kind of odd to me because my DD who will be 3 next month will be getting ST through the school system. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Hi Tiger87,
PDD is different from Autism. They do go hand in hand however. It is like a giant basket to put all the other quirks that don't fall under autism. Does that help? I am not really well versed in PDD but that is how it was explained to me.
Now for the hard part. I didn't notice where you live or where your cousin lives but I do know about Wyoming and sounds like it might be similar.
From birth to three years old no "school" is offered but they will come to home to provide services that are needed. This is the department of health. From 3-5 there is Head Start or CDC or what ever it is called from State to State. This is the department of health division for disabilities. It is a preschool so to speak with services offered either in a classroom setting or sometimes in private but still at the school. From the time they are of age to start public school they then fall under the county school system.
As far as a diagnosis, to even apply for the State waiver, there will be an evaluation. By applying, even with a decade wait list, they will still have to start the process and the State will have to pay for an evaluation. From there you may go direct onto the waiver or be waitlisted. However, you then have the DX and are entitled to services. This is put into place by and IEP.
I could go on but I don't know how much you want to know. Please jump in others as I only know about my State and a little about Idaho and Florida.
Please remember to be supportive and offer the mom a chance to get out now and then. It sounds like you are very caring wanting to know more about it already.
Good luck, April
Answer:
We live in MA.. Thanks for your response. It was helpful. :-) All of the loopholes with services can be challenging. I have been dealing with some of it with my DD. Thanks again!!!