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Expert Q&A
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| By Dr. Bunni Tobias Kid Detective Psychologist | ||
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What do you do when everyone in a child's life sees the signs of autism but the mom and dad are in denial? My goddaughter is 4 1/2 years old, didn't walk until age 2 and still isn't potty trained. She can't pronounce a lot of things, does repetitive things, is violent to children younger than herself and definitely has sensory dysfunction. The doctor found a cyst and mass in her brain. She has large eyes, a very distended belly and is obviously one year behind developmentally. Is there anything I or anyone else can do for the child to get her help or to get the mother to wake up and take care of her child? Is it crossing the line if I say something to her, or should I not worry about her feelings and worry about standing up for my godchild?
Since the medical issue has already been identified, my first recommendation is to contact the child's physician and express your concerns in writing. Be very clear and specific but not wordy. Pediatricians have a respected role in the life of a child and your godchild's parents chose that person.
After writing the information in a factual, concrete manner, place a call to this physician to be sure the physician knows that the parents are ignoring facts that are observable by everybody and be sure to include those facts in your written correspondence. If you do not hear from this professional in a week, personally call the office and follow up.
What you are talking about is significant and very important information. Fearful parents do not necessarily tell their physician the whole story. Do not assume the professional knows what you have shared."
Related Expert Q&A
- What do you do when everyone in a child's life sees the signs of autism but the mom and dad are in denial?
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