Behavioral Therapists

heaker76 · **Behavioral Therapists**

Have any of you taken your child to a Behavioral Therapist? If so, what was your experience like?

My 4 yr old is hitting a wall so to speak with his OT. He's been seeing her for about 6 months now and we are still struggling with major issues that he had at the beginning (staying on track, following directions, not getting distracted, etc). Last weeks OT session was a MAJOR disaster and he ended up going into a full on rage (imagine a temper tantrum times 100). His OT and I had a quick discussion about things and she is feeling like right now we're just running in circles with his therapy. Making some small steps, but nowhere close to where we should be based on how long he's been going.

She suggested me taking him to a behavioral therapist for an evalation. Honestly, I'm leery about it because I'm concerned they are going to want to label him ADD/ADHD and medicate him. Now don't get me wrong, if he needs medication then I am willing to go that route. However I only want to do that after exhausting ALL my other options, and I'm concerned about how that will come into play.

To those of you that have gone this route, were you happy with the outcome? If your child was diagnosed ADD/ADHD, were they willing to work with you on some alternative therapy suggestions, or did they want to go straight to medication? I really appreciate your feedback on this, as it's something I'm struggling with. Thanks in advance for your replies!

desertmom · 05-10-2007, 01:05 AM

I have a couple of comments. If the OT, who should be experienced with children like this, can't handle him, she is definitely the wrong OT for you. A good OT would be trained in how to get and keep his attention, and find fun ways for him to follow directions - I've seen both good and not right for my child.

Second, a behavioral therapist, which my son is seeing, cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist or medical doctor can. He or she can recommend it, but as with a medical Dr., it is still up to you in the end. Medication may be needed, but I, personally support you all the way with trying other methods first. It is my personal experience not to go to a behavioral therapist for a dx, but to go to a developmental pediatrician, who can prescribe if necessary - trust me, they don't want your kid on meds either, unless necessary. But a dev. ped. will also work with the body. Allergies, motor delays, physical things which are often a huge part of SN. A behavioral therapist can indeed diagnose, but it's more in the "mind" area. I would get the physical looked at. The dev. ped. should be able to do both. IMO, the therapist would come later, and could actually add to the finer points of a dx.