UAMS Health - Schmieding Developmental Center

"After waiting close to two years, “because our paperwork got lost” we had our appointment and it was shear disappointment. Our child’s major sensory issues and deficits were ignored, the diagnosing physician stated verbatim: that social humiliation would be required for our daughter to recognize her difficulties and struggles with hygiene. We were then told that if Aspergers was still a diagnosis she could see that being applied to our child, but that still didn’t qualify our child for ASD1. Rather, the diagnosing physician gave our child three different diagnoses that all fall under ASD1, including a non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) which doesn’t qualify our child for ABA, which would be highly beneficial. After being in shell shock after the diagnosis, we were in contact with the Physician and Shmieding in order to try and get further assistance for reevaluation in which they declined. They perform second opinions from elsewhere but you cannot get a second opinion if your evaluation was with them to begin with. Finally, the Physician said if you can get me letters from community members, teachers, coaches, and family members, I may take a second look. We sent her eight letters: three teachers, licensed counselor, nurse practitioner, and three highly educated family members, all who have witnessed; social deficits, major sensory issues, and meltdowns. We sent the letters all within ten days of diagnoses, and still have yet to hear anything back from either the Physician or Shmieding. It’s been over a month. I understand Shmieding is one of the only entities in Arkansas that accepts certain insurances and provide diagnoses as well, but please help your loved one and look for any other option first. It’s a lot of money for most people, and to feel like we threw it down the drain to not get the care we expected, to not feel listened to, and the amount of time lost because this was our only option, hurts."