What should you expect from an evaluation?

[Guest guest]

My son was diagnosed with ADD this January by a behavioral

specialist recommended by my pediatrician. My son is in no way

hyperactive, yet she recommended Ritalin and other ADHD medications.

My son has a tick. He blinks his eyes uncontrollably. The behavioral

specialist, knowing my husband and I were uncomfortable with

medications. She recommended that we try Guanfacine as an

alternative to ADD Meds. She said that it helps get rid of ticks and

help impulsivities. After two weeks of being on the Guanfacine, we

had to take him off because he developed more severe ticks, and

slept all day long.

The school was also concerned because they did not feel as though he

was ADD or ADHD. They told me that they suspect that it might be

Aspergers. This isn't the first time someone has mentioned the fact

that my son may have Aspergers. When I looked up Aspergers online, I

realized that my son had every element of Aspergers.

When I told my doctor pediatrician about the medication and new

ticks, he recommended that I make an appointment with a neurologist.

Problem is I can't get in until May to see the Neuologist, and I

will not be able to get him evaluated for Aspergers until mid summer

due to the fact that there are 60 on the list for the new Alliance

Center for Autism. What I really want is to have someone do an MRI.

My questions are, What is the process of evaluation? Where should I

start? And, is there anything I can do to make his life easier while

waiting for an appointment?

Also, I live in Tucson, and there is only one group of neurologists

and one maybe two autism centers. Does anyone no any resources in

the phoenix area? I would be willing to travel to another state for

the best of the best.

All and all, I am new at this, so any input anyone else thinks is

relevant aside from my questions, would be greatly appreciated.