Last week, I phoned a certain psychiatrist to have my son tested for ADD. I finally got a return call today. Really, I could have done without it.
She can barely speak without stumbling over her words and muttering under her breath. She is the rudest "professional" I have ever spoken to. She asked me questions and as I was giving her the answers she cut me off and indignantly retorted, "That is not the answer I am looking for!". When she asked where I lived and she realized I lived in a different county she gave an audible "HUMPH!!" and sucked her teeth. I replied, "Don't worry, I know how to use my computer and Rand McNally is my friend." She then started rattling off directions and her monotone voice was just lethargic and annoying. I knew this was a really wrong match. She asked me a few questions and then said out loud "Oh, I get the picture." This after she asked me where my son's father was. How arrogant and condescending of her. It seemed to me that she made a predetermined diagnosis without all the facts.
At that moment, my children started bringing Little One (with the autism) indoors and he was adamant about staying outside. He was pulling on me to try to get my attention so that he could sign his desires. As I gestured to the children to take him to another room and made my way to the door...she exclaimed "Tell that child to be QUIET!!" I slowly responded "He has PDD and does not understand that." to which she replied, "He needs to learn, he needs to be in therapy and he needs to be taught, blah blah blah..." That's when I shut her out and replied..."Did you finish the directions?" She started rattling off between her stutters and actual audible self talk and then I said "Thank you, Goodbye." She quickly changed her tone of voice and said that she didn't mean to offend me, but that she is trained to deal with PDD and you need to "TRAIN" these kids. She stated: You have to show him a T for timeout and put your finger to your lips to shush him and when he responds appropriately, YOU SHOULD GIVE HIM A PIECE OF CANDY!!! This is word for word what she said. A piece of candy... Ok, and she went to what school? I exclaimed "Well, it's too late for that...you already offended me, goodbye." She heard the dial tone.
Now I am an easy going person and I always treat people like humans should be treated-with respect. We all have bad days and good days, but this lady needs therapy herself and should not be giving out any treatment or advice. I quickly called my insurance and told them I was willing to drive out of state up to 2 hours just to get another provider. There is NOOO Way I will take my son to her, EVER!!
Maybe some of these PROFESSIONALS need to take some sensitivity training?!! Tell me what you think....
autism
parenting
Monday, August 29, 2005
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6 comments:
That is a completely horrid experience! But, don't fret, there are good therapists out there that do understand the importance of their professions and really do care.
Yea gods!!!! What a rude person, you were right to not deal with her anymore and tell your insurance you want someone else. The problem with some "professionals" is they think they are the be all and end all and people should bow down to them becasue they are doing us such a favor by talking to you. I've fired many "professionals" and finally found the ones who actually will work with me without being rude and condesending.
Some of these folk fit the stereotype of being nuts.
One brought their dog into a session to try and persuade me that a dog or another baby was just what was needed to help my son's dyslexia, Crazy.
There are good ones out there I am sure,I read a site called "Apraxic-Kids" its US based so many of the referals on there would be more relevant to you than me. Many of these kids have autism in many differnt spectrums too. It has great info about how to wrangle with the Insurance system,ed system, pre school system. Site address is http://www.apraxia-kids.org/ Might be of some help. Good Luck.
Sad to say, I've had plenty of those "unprofessional professionals" experiences! I would have hoped people in a "helping profession" would be just that, but instead, many get their jollies out of observing "dysfunctional" families. I wish I could slap them all, but then they would just point and giggle, knowing that my anger must have "caused" my son's problems! ;-)
I hate rude ignorant no manners "professionals" Hmmph!
-MuralsAZ
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