neurodiverse-affirming pediatrician?
Hello, does anyone have a suggestion for a pediatrician who is neurodiverse-affirming? We have blue shield insurance--so we can't go to kaiser docs. The current practice we are in has had several doctors leave, and my kiddo's primary doctor keeps changing. Our latest doctor does not seem to understand that my kiddo has different needs from a typical child--especially during office visits. I ask for work-arounds like not forcing him to take his shoes off to weigh him or insisting he sit on the crinkly paper on the exam table. Instead of understanding my child has unique sensory needs, they suggest that I might be the issue. I would love to find a doctor that works with me and believes I know what will work for my child, and (maybe more importantly) what won't.
thank you!!
Parent Replies
My child isn't neurodiverse, however, every interaction with her pediatrician, Katya Gerwein at Stanford Children's Health, has been child-centered and wonderful. She goes out of her way to meet kids where they are, and I can't imagine she wouldn't be wonderful with a differently abled child.
Go visit Dr Strelitz in Pinole or Berkeley - she is a Stanford children's health ped who is exceptional with my neuro spicy, SPD ADHD possible Au kid. Literally my child, still at 7, struggles to control herself around the crinkly paper and takes about 30 minutes to get pried out from under the table when it's time for a shot. The whole staff is extraordinary patient and Dr S has always trusted our experiences with her behaviors and been very supportive with any referrals we thought were necessary.
Kiwi Pediatric is excellent! They serve all type of kids with skill and kindness. They also take every insurance including MediCal. I highly recommend them.
Highly recommend Dr. Amy Maidenberg (https://sagepediatrics.com), who is sensitive and experienced with all these issues (neurodivergent profiles, sensory needs etc). She has a holistic orientation on top of being excellent with all the traditional medical stuff. She doesn't bill insurance directly, but from what I understand depending on the plan you might be able to get good out-of-network reimbursement. Wishing you the best in your search!