Brain Center

5 recommendations and reviews from 5 people

• WhoDoYou Review from November 16, 2015
  1 review

  Margaret R. wrote: An Open Letter to The Brain Center in Columbus, GA, When we were referred to your clinic, I had the utmost confidence that you would provide my son with the tests he needed. As we are applying for the Katie Beckett Medicaid program for my 7 year old son with severe autism and severe self-injurious behaviors like I discussed with the receptionist. We needed a developmental evaluation and a psychological evaluation done. Our first visit for his evaluation lasted 30-45 minutes. I have sat through these evaluations before and observed as the psychologist or other approved professional would play with my son and perform certain tests to see where he was on certain functions such as cognitive, language, motor, adaptive, and social. I sat to the side and observed as you watched him play with some toys. You then left the room at one point and came back to sit in front of your computer. When my non-verbal son wanted your attention he came over to you and grabbed your arm and accidently scratched you. I know it sucks. It happens all the time to us but we do cut his nails regularly and try to keep them down. We were then prompted that his evaluation was over. Our second visit was just an interview with me. You asked me a series of questions that I answered promptly. At one point an email alert prompted on my phone so I immediately checked it as it was from my son’s psychiatrist about med changes. You then immediately said “that can wait” so I put down my phone and continued with the interview. I was then prompted that the interview was over. So when I got the call that my sons paperwork was done I got excited because that is one of the two things I’m waiting for to turn in his paperwork to get him on this program. Instead, I found myself balling in my car, at home, and later in bed. As there were no scores on his functions or IQ but rather a 3 page paper describing a child to whom I don’t know. You described him as being able to communicate with sign language, sure he knows the “more” sign, but unfortunately that is the only sign he knows. He will echo words sometimes but that was not mentioned in your report nor was his main form of communication which is guiding us to what he wants. I continued to read and was taken aback when I saw that you stated his only milestone not reached was potty training and one other thing. Unfortunately, he has never reached any milestones when he was supposed to, to include sitting up, crawling, walking, talking…..and the list goes on. You then reported that his parents weren’t providing him any speech, occupational, or ABA therapy. He gets speech and occupational at school and goes straight from school to an ABA clinic. He gets home around 6:00 p.m. and around then we need to feed, bathe, and spend family time with him. You concluded with your evaluation that mom would not put the phone down and that the parents need to engage more. I’m sorry but did you ask any history? Did you come visit us at home and see how we engage him? Well here is a little history for you. At 18 months old my son started head banging and at 20 months was diagnosed with severe autism. I immediately got out of the Army to advocate and take care of him. After another Army move I was able to find adequate childcare and get another job working with the government. In January I was not forced but HAD to quit my job because my son’s self-injurious behaviors had gotten so bad. So I resigned with no regrets because my son comes first. In the midst of all of these events I have had to fight for my son to get him what he needs. And finally, the worst and most inaccurate statement put on this report is what broke me down, when you stated “Antonio is abusive towards others.” The other things I could let roll off my back because hey, you only spent 30 minutes with him but this is what made me more upset then all the rest. My son has had self-injurious behaviors for 7 years now and I have all the documentation to prove it. I have all of his school reports and childcare reports and professional reports and anyone that knows my son would NEVER state something so inaccurate. He is the most snuggly loving child there is. The only harm he causes is to his own self. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. So I am sorry that the little scratch on your arm that he gave you from trying to get your attention warranted you to report something so wrong. Just remember, he does not know sign and is non-verbal. While I am used to judgment out in the community because of those that don’t know my son or myself, I am not used to such judgement and inaccurate reports from professional psychologists. So yes, all weekend I cried and worried and was just sad because of your one little 3 page evaluation on my son. But now I am going to let it go. I just hope that your future patients get better care and attention than we did. Please start opening your ears and heart a little further for those with a lot more going on than you can imagine. Best Regards, Antonio’s Mom

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• Referral from July 22, 2013
  

  Fort G. asked:

  I would like to know who has a child with autism spectrum disorder and who diagnosed? We and most family members think our 2 1/2 yr old has ASD, (not looking in the eye, does not play with other children, does not talk but more babbles.....she says single words, does not put two or more words together, etc). We love her pediatrician but he is more laid back and more than likely tell us everything is OK. We filled out the M-Chat at her 2 year check up and it was OK. Just looking for some info on where we should turn for evacuation. We are NOT military and we have good insurance. TIA!!

  

  Cindy M. replied:

  Dr. Koesner . at the Brain Center . 706 221-0112 , she evaluated both my boys . she is located off Bradley Park Drive . on Bradley Park Court . her office is closed every friday . just so you know .

  

  Judi H. replied:

  It's is my question. I will see of we need a referral and if not I will make appt. Is the Brain Center in Columbus. Could be there is nothing wrong and she will "catch up" but I would feel better having her tested.

  

  Erin S. replied:

  Try the brain center they do autism evaluations.

  

  Angie S. replied:

  My son was diagnosed on the spectrum around the same age as your daughter and he is now 3. Push your doctor to give you a referral to a psychologist who specializes in these types of diagnosis. I recommend the Brain Center. That is where we went. Best of luck!

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