(If a negative 10 stars were an option)... My son with autism and developmental delays was referred…read moreto Dr. Isa Arnaldo by his primary doctor with Advent Health as well as his new Neuro-gastroenterologist. He is experiencing new seizure-like episodes that are heartbreaking to see as a mom. I left a lengthy message for Dr Arnaldo's office. Receptionist called back without listening to my message, asking "what can I do for you?" First of all, take the time to listen to the message so you know why I am calling. And then after explaining the situation again, she says they "do not accept patients with autism or developmental delays." I asked why, and she said, "that's just the rules." That's it? That's your answer? Do you know anything about my son? You didn't ask me a SINGLE question about him. You just assume that everyone with autism and developmental delays is the same. If you met him, you wouldn't know he has autism. You'd think he's typical. So maybe if I had just shown up to your office instead of calling, you would have accepted him as a patient. Your "rules" should be posted on your door, website, and told to any possible referring doctors offices, "Sorry, we don't accept any patients who: look, sound, or act different; who walk with a cane, service dog, or use a wheelchair; who can't read or write, or act their age; who have trouble communicating; or who have accents that are really hard to understand, like our front desk receptionist. Your neuro-diverse problem is not our problem. Please don't waste our time. We have "normal" patients to attend to." But since you're not posting this disclaimer, I will do it for you. Google review done, referring doctors and special needs school notified, now here on Yelp; and next up Advent Health.
This is absolutely autism-discrimination!! Specifically, Ableism. I will make sure to spread the word to my special needs community, schools, peers, parents, to advent health, and our other doctors' offices who referred us to you, that your "neurology" office does not care about helping people who are Neuro-diverse. Shame on you! If a negative 10 stars were an option that still wouldn't express my disappointment in this unprofessional, heartless, discriminatory practice.