Finding a Clinician using a Defeat Autism Now! approach: Questions to Ask

Here is a list of questions that parents may want to use when talking to other parents about practitioners or interviewing a clinician using a Defeat Autism Now! approach. It is important to realize that not all clinicians listed on the ARI Web page have the same background, training or areas of expertise. To help parents select a practitioner who best fits their needs and the needs of their child, several experienced parents formulated the following list of questions. While interviewing a clinician you may not need or want to use all of these questions. But we hope they help you in your pursuit to find the best practitioner for you and your child.

1. What led you to become a clinician using a Defeat Autism Now! approach?
2. Are your patients required to use special diets such as GF/CF, SCD, low-oxalate, etc.? Why?
3. When was your last Defeat Autism Now! Conference? Have you also attended the physician’s training? How do you stay current with emerging Defeat Autism Now! treatments?
4. Approximately how many individuals with autism have you treated? What age range?
5. How do you handle blood draws and other unique lab tests? My child is combative; do you have advice for violent patients?
6. In the event we have a biomedical-related emergency, how will I contact you?
7. Do you share an e-mail address, cell phone, etc. with your patients?
8. Are you willing to offer phone consultation for distant patients? What are the costs?
9. Can you collaborate with other specialists we will be dealing with (Gastrointestinal, etc)? Are you willing to collaborate on treatment and testing with my child’s pediatrician if he/she is receptive?
10. Will you provide a clear plan for supplements and where to purchase them?
11. I am interested in working with a doctor who chelates when it is warranted. Do you test autistic patients for heavy metals and provide chelation treatments when necessary?
12. Do you take insurance? If not, can you provide organized, coded insurance forms?
13. Can you recommend ways to connect with other parents pursuing Defeat Autism Now! treatments?
14. Do you speak any other languages?
15. Can you provide a list of all services your office provides on-site? Examples: HBOT, infrared sauna, Secretin IVs, IVIG, Anti-viral therapies, nutritional counseling, blood draws, etc.
16. Do you support active Defeat Autism Now! parents by networking, collaborating, speaking at conferences, etc.
17. What are the primary medical specialties in which you were originally trained (i.e. pediatrics, family medicine)? What is now the primary focus of your practice? If you are not an MD or DO, in what field(s) are you licensed?
18. How long do you spend face-to-face in an initial appointment?
19. Do you sell proprietary nutritional supplements or have a sales agreement with supplement suppliers? Do you sell supplements at cost?
20. Do you bill for laboratory tests done by commercial laboratories? How do you break down the fees?
21. Do you have a waiting list? How long is it?