Embedded Files
For this Family Whose Son Has Autism, their Primary Care Doctor Provides Crucial Support
For the Schwartzes, their decades-long connection with their primary care doctor proved invaluable when caring for their son with autism.
NEED FOR A "PARTNER IN HEALTH"
Carl and Kerri started seeing Dr. O, a primary care doctor, when they were young and newly married. Little did they know then what a big difference he would make in their lives.
Dr. O supported the couple through myriad health experiences and challenges, including the births of three of their children. Over time, Dr. O’s involvement with their family spanned four generations, as he provided care for their grandparents, parents and four children.
However, his greatest impact came from the care he provided for their youngest child, Thorn, who has autism, and his support for Carl and Kerri as Thorn’s caregivers.
“The first thing you do when your child gets an autism diagnosis is you ask your pediatrician what’s going on,” said Carl. “Dr. O was not an expert on autism, but he knew enough to know the types of things we needed to do.”
FINDING A SOLUTION
Following Thorn’s diagnosis, Dr. O quickly connected Carl and Kerri with specialists but stayed involved with them as their son’s diagnosis and treatment progressed. Dr. O’s involvement became crucial when the family sought treatment in the emergency room (ER) one day.
The psychiatrist on call in the ER wanted to help the family, but because they were not patients in the hospital’s developmental behavioral pediatric unit, the psychiatrist could not prescribe any medication that would require follow up. So, the ER doctor collaborated with Dr. O, who was able to prescribe medication that helped Thorn better manage his behavior while the family waited to see a specialist.
“The fact that he knew us, the family, and knew our son and his body so well, meant Dr. O was still the one best suited to know what was working and not working when it came to special medications, therapies and other interventions,” said Carl.
THE ROAD AHEAD: ROCKY AND RESTORATIVE
Autism impacts the whole family in myriad ways. While he continued to care for Thorn, Dr. O also helped Carl and Kerri navigate challenges they experienced as caregivers, encouraging them to pay attention to how stress was impacting their own bodies and to make time for themselves.
They listened and, when they got Thorn into a camp so that he could be with other kids like him for two weeks every summer, it gave the family a break and helped their health, as well. In addition, Thorn started seeing new specialists who helped him turn a corner, which gave Carl and Kerri a whole lot more respite.
Unlike the Schwartz family, too many people in New York can’t see a doctor when they need to. New York leaders need to require health insurance companies to prioritize spending on primary care. That is how we will make sure everyone in the state can get the kind of care the Schwartzes get when they need it.
Page updated
Report abuse