I would suggest you spend a little time with a search engine and then calling places about getting an ASD assessment. I put in Texas Autism Programs in Google and got back The University of Texas Autism Program and a bunch of private resources.
There are several checklist type screening assessments for ASD that any good psychologist or neuropsych can give you that will help you discern whether additional ASD assessment might be helpful.
I guess it's not clear to me (I'm new though so perhaps you've made it clear in the past) what exactly you are wanting. Help to make an appropriate school placement? Qualification for special ed? Speech/language services paid for by the school? Support for your family as you struggle to cope with behavioral issues? What you want/need will help drive your process.
AS for the school district where you live refusing to assess your son, that is ... well the nice word would be manure. If there is a suspected disability (in this case speech/language) then IDEA requires that they assess him, even if he's in private school and even if he's getting OK grades. If you request an assessment in writing, listing your concerns, they must either offer a plan for assessment or give you a written response detailing their reasons for declining to assess. You then have the option to challenge their decision if they refuse.
That said, asking your pediatrician for an ASD assessment referral would also be appropriate. As others have said, it is not unusual for children on the spectrum to have normal to gifted IQ's.
I feel fairly certain that you can find a good assessment in Texas. Whether you will have to pay privately is hard to say. I f it were me, I'd start with the pediatrician and then consider the school.
Good luck,
Patricia
Last edited by rlsnights; 04/25/09 04:38 PM.
