Alex A.

Abstract

It is obviously essential for the patient to receive services from the appropriate treatment system, but once s/he has been assigned to the wrong system, it is extremely difficult to change course. Diagnosis is once again essential, though in a different way from any of those presented in previous narratives. Inaccurate diagnosis creates both ongoing risks for the patient and future obstacles to receiving appropriate treatment. Furthermore, documentation of the criteria required for acceptance by each system becomes increasingly more difficult as time elapses and may require specialized outside expertise that is not readily available. Family members providing support during the documentation process require continual updating, in order that they can support the transition. Coordination with both treatment systems is required to move the process continually forward in the face of complicating events, because coordination between them will not occur. Fortunately, this young man had sufficient energy, resilience, and desire for help with his disability, along with an engaged and supportive family, to be able to persist to a favorable resolution in spite of many frustrations.