Finding a DAN doctor

[samsmom]

We are currently seeing an environmental physician and an occupational therapist with Sam (to look into possible sensory integration issues), but are now considering a DAN doctor too. I found the recent postings from Patty re. stimming interesting as I think some of Sam's behaviors fit this description. Some of what he does just doesn't seem like a tic, including waving his fingers in front of his eyes, and making repetitive sounds during times of higher stress.

 

There are several DAN doctors in our state and I will contact those closest to us to find out how much experience they have of kids with TS. One of those listed on the autism website of practitioners looks interesting, but shows qualifications of only PhD and CN. Does anyone know what CN stands for? Most of them seem to be either MD's or ND's. Is there anything that I should be specifically looking into when trying to decide which one to go to?

 

Thanks for your help

Sams mom

[Guest]

Hi Sams mom,

 

I don't know what CN stands for. Maybe someone else will, but if not you can call DAN and ask them.

 

Here are my tips:

 

Experience with TS is always good, but in smaller towns that may not always be possible. They usually use the same tests, etc. for children with Autism and TS.

 

A doctor that's not into selling his vitamins to you unless its something you specifically can't get from a store or online.

 

A doctor that hasn't just jumped into the DAN group for the money by going to one conference. You should know that the DAN list is a great list, but has a had a problem with some doctors doing this.

 

A doctor that will take a few minute call from you if you have questions without expecting you to schedule another appointment.

 

A doctor that participates in health insurance and files your insurance is always nice, but many DAN doctors don't. There are some that do.

 

When filing health insurance don't file under Tourette Syndrome. Instead file under things like headaches, stomach aches, etc. It can often mean the world when getting health insurance to cover things.

 

I don't feel that the doctor being a DO or MD really matters, and it's the stuff above that really matters. I have seen both DO & MD DAN doctors. I currently have both a DO & MD DAN doctor and am very satisfied with them both.

 

That's all the tips that I can think of for now. If I think of any others, I'll let you know.

 

Carolyn

[samsmom]

Great list, Carolyn. Thank you!

[kim]

Samsmom

 

I think you are right to suspect stimming, with the finger waving in front of the eyes.

 

CN/Certified Nutritionist?

 

I hope you are able to find a wonderful Dr.

 

Kim