Son diagnosed w/ Autism @3 yrs, how to / can get medical?

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beckyanne19

Well-Known Member
Dr Forred, my son was diagnosed w/ Autism @ age 3. He had extensive therapies, and is now 16, w/ driver's license. He has taken flight lessons, his instructor thinks he would easily pass flying evaluations for private pilot. He is in school, mainstream w/ no assistance since 4th grade, in AFJROTC, socially doing well, honor society. He wants 3rd class medical and is considering Air Force Academy. I recently took him back to Psychiatrist who originally diagnosed him, and she said she wouldn't give him a diagnosis based on his presentation ad functioning today. He has never taken medication for this condition.

I would like to know if:

1) is there a chance he could get a third class medical?
2) if yes, what is the best way to proceed, leaving open the option of sport pilot if there are any red flags uncovered. I assume there would be several psychological tests - do you know a PsyD in MN who could administer the requisite tests?

Thank you!
 
Dr. Forred could probably answer this, but you may want your son to get a First Class Medical now instead if a Third if he wants to fly professionally. If you go through the steps now in obtaining a First Class, it may be less steps to go through down the road.

Once again, Dr. Forred can better answer that.
 
1) I agree with Seggy.

2) He will need a current )within 90 days) psychiatric evaluation by a board certified psychiatrist, an application for a medical certificate ( flight physical from an AME). The AME will probably defer the medical certificate and forward the psychiatric evaluation to the FAA. They may ask for formal neuropsychological testing but I would not spend the money on it unless they so request. The decision will come from OKC.
 
Thanks Seggy & Dr .Forred. As my son is soon to be making career decisions, I agree it makes sense for him to get a go / no go decision on 1st class medical. Always scary when it comes to helping the kids with their futures.

Thanks again, Becky
 
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