I was talking with an older couple recently and they told me of the terrible problems they had with their first child. Their pediatrician was of little help and the couple survived the first few years before she finally seemed to be a little more manageable. I am not sure they realize even now that she is autistic. They see little of her and she has pretty much gone her own way.
Sadly, I find that even though there now are a lot more kids on the autism spectrum, most medical schools don't appear to offer their students help in making this diagnosis. I feel sad for parents who know they have a child with problems, but don't where or know how to get help. A good child psychologist is often the place to start or an agency that care for kids on the spectrum. Some school districts insist on having a child tested and given a diagnosis, but others offer no help. There are pediatricians who diagnose kids with autism but my experience is that this is rare. Parents who suspect their child has problems may have to go to several different doctors or agencies to get help.
