My 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism almost a year ago. Since then he has been receiving speech therapy and attending a special education preschool for children with the same diagnosis. Recently, I have read a lot about DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctors and am interested in finding a DAN doctor for my son or at least talking to one in a consultation setting. His current pediatrician is nice and all but does not seem to have a lot of information to offer on alternative treatments and is really married to the idea of vaccines (I am in a place where I am seriously starting to question vaccines and their possible role in autism). In fact, I am the one who originally told the pediatrician I thought my son had a speech delay and requested that he be referred for a speech therapy evaluation in the first place. It's amazing to me that more pediatricans do not test for signs of autism early on without parents having to bring up the subject during an appointment.
I read Jenny McCarthy's book where she explains that DAN doctors test your child for possible allergies and are willing to try natural supplements to help children with autism, so I am very interested in having a consultation with a good DAN doctor just to see if this could meet our family's needs. I tried to look up DAN doctors at the autismresearchinstitute.com website but was unable to locate any names/phone numbers of Bay Area DAN doctors.
I have also heard about ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy) and am interested in finding a good ABA therapist for my son. It would also be great to know if anyone has any experience with health insurance covering these type of doctors and therapy visits or is it usually an out-of-pocket type payment. If anyone has any good referrals or information regarding DAN doctors or ABA therapists, I would so appreciate any advice you can give. Thank you so much.
Hi-I just looked at the page. It wasn't easy to find, but there were bay area doctors listed. I am going to copy them and send them to you- hope it's not too much stuff...
i toke my son 2 a dan doctor spend so much money and jayden was not eating 4 a full week he has a whoe unch of sensory issues with affect what he eats as well so it didnt work 4 me bc jyden doesnt eat fruits veggies or aything else we were suppose 2 follow in the jeny mccarthy book there is a list of the dan doctors and there adress and phone # insurance nor medicaid cover the expenses good luck
Updated
i toke my son 2 a dan doctor spend so much money and jayden was not eating 4 a full week he has a whoe unch of sensory issues with affect what he eats as well so it didnt work 4 me bc jyden doesnt eat fruits veggies or aything else we were suppose 2 follow in the jeny mccarthy book there is a list of the dan doctors and there adress and phone # insurance nor medicaid cover the expenses good luck
Hi HIGHLY recommed Elisa Song down in Bellemont. It may be a bit of a drive for you- but it will be well worth it! She is an MD who sees tons of autistic kids working within the DAN protocol and also incredibly knowledgable about western and complementary treatments. Her website is http://www.wholechildwellness.com/ where you can get the rest of her contact information. It is possible at this age to reverse many of the signs of autism with the proper help. Good luck.
J. Stevens, L.Ac.
www.yourwholefamilywellness.com
I also have a 3 year old, he was recently diagnosed with Asperger's. I am bringing my son to Dr. Thauna Abrin www.drthauna.com in Walnut Creek. We have just started the process so I can't comment on results but she is very kind and personable. I have also heard really good things about Dr. Lynne R. Mielke in Pleasanton www.developmentalspectrums.com My son's developmental pediatrician recommended her and I have met other parents who see her. I know a lot of people who have been able to get ABA services through the Regional Center. I know STE consultants www.steconsultants.com has a great reputation. My son doesn't get ABA but we are doing behavioral consulting through STE and I find it very helpful. Good luck,
A.
Dr. Traver is a DAN doctor and is based in Foster City...don't have a # for him.
This is a school in Palo Alto that caters to special needs kids.
http://www.hopetechschool.org/content/home/index.htm
GFCFKids is a list serve group that focuses on autism...not sure how to get on it or if it's google or yahoo groups.
The Handle Institute (handle.org) offers sensory therapy for a wide range of issues including autistic kids. You might want to read the book The Fabric of Autism by Judith Bluestone, the founder of the Handle Institute.
Good luck...it's quite a journey.
Hi,
I contacted a friend who gave me the name of a good ABA therapist. Her name is Sarah Trautman-Eslinger and her numbers are ###-###-#### (office) and ###-###-#### (cell). She can come to your house to provide ABA therapy. You can also contact the East Bay Regional Center to find out if they provide ABA therapy. They begin providing free services at birth for children that qualify. Another place to contact is your local school district to see if you can receive ABA therapy or other therapy for your son through their early intervention program.
The national autism branch for the Bay Area's website is: http.//www.freewebs.com/calnaa/index/htm. Hopefully this helps.
J.
I used to be a special ed preschool teacher before taking a leave in 2006 to have my first little one. One of my old students, who I am still in contact with, sees Dr. David Traver. His office is over in Foster City. He has been seeing him since 2005 and they have had great results. Also, you may want to ask your school district about an ABA consultation/testing to see if it would be appropriate for your child before seeking it outside. It is very expensive. Lastly, I have seen many other people referring you to Regional Center. Unfortunately, Regional Center provides services for special education children prior to their 3rd bday. Since your child is already 3 years old, he would not be able to qualify for services with them. It is now up to your school district. Good Luck!
Hi K.,
You are not alone with this condition. There are alternatives that can help your child with this challenge.
There is going to be a child's health panel on Aug 2 in San Jose if you live close by and would like to learn more. Autism is one of the topics of the event.
There will be 13 doctors that came from around the country to put this together.
If you are interested in attending please email or call me and I will put you on the guest list.
Wish you well.
N. Marie
www.nikken.com/ninamarie
____@____.com
###-###-####
Hello
I can recommend two DAN doctors... They are at Whole Child Wellness in Belmont Ca. I believe there is a waiting list for Dr. Elisa Song but you may be able to get in with Dr Ann Wolf. They are both wonderful. If you can not get in there perhaps they can refer you.
Also I have volunteered at CHAI ( Oakland Children's hospital autism intervention) and Michelle (program director) may be able to help. The program is for children between the ages of 1-3, but they are well connected.
good luck!
a little about me: I am a licensed acupuncturist specializing in Pediatrics using massage, herbs and acupuncture. My husband and I are adopting an infant from Ethiopia and we are waiting.
Jennifer French L.Ac.
www.pearlmoon.us
