Starting OT- question

Sooo frustrated. You may or may not remember, Riley didn't qualify for EI because she only has sensory issues, no real delays, or at least enough to warrant EI in NJ. So I went to an OT on my own. She definitely saw the issues Riley has and gave me suggestions, but she really had trouble fitting us into her practice, so I gave up.

Moved on to an agency...and we had an evaluation. The evaluator recommended weekly OT for sensory as well as fine motor, since her low frustration tolerance keeps her from developing her schools at the rate preschools will expect in the future. The evaluator will not be her OT, unfortunately (bummed, because I loved her).

Well, that was a week ago. I've contacted them and they still haven't gotten back to me. I want to know who her therapist will be, and when it's going to start.

This has been going on too freaking long, I'm about to lose it. I want to feel like I'm making some progress here. I started this ball rolling in August, and here we are in November. So damn frustrated.

So...is this typical? Does it take a while to get the ball rolling, or are we just not priority since she does not qualify for EI?

Thanks for any feedback!

Re: Starting OT- question

Its not a matter of priority, but availability. They need to find an OT who has availability on the days and times that are convient for you so sometimes that takes time. You could always call mutiple agencies and say for are looking for an OT to work with your daughter who is "X" years old and has sensory processing delays. Explain that she was already evaluated but that therapist has no availability. Tell them what days and times your looking for. Each agency you call will either send a mass email to their therapists or just call a few people that they think can do it. Then you should receive phone calls from the therapists. Just pick the one that has the best schedule for you. For sensory processing it is easiest to treat the child in a clinic setting with lots of equipment (swings, therapy balls, ball pit,scooters etc...)

Re: Starting OT- question

thanks so much, I guess I'm just getting frustrated as this all started back in August. I honestly had no idea how it all worked. I have a feeling it might even be difficult- would be so much easier if I was a SAHM cuz I'm sure they're booked after school, and that's when I'm available. And she of course needs to have therapy at their location for the gym.

Thanks! I was wondering if it was just me!

Re: Starting OT- question

I think this is an internal problem at that agency because there shouldn't be any issue getting her services afterschool since that's when the majority of the kids will need to attend the gym as well.

Make sure you get that evaluation written up so that the actual therapist that will work with your dd will know where to start from. Plus you paid money for the evaluation they need to write a report.

Keep calling the agency, because they should be calling you back to let you know what exactly is going on. If they don't have a therapist currently with availability they shouldn't keep you "hanging".

Many OTs book up by now, but kids sometimes age out of their services or test out of their service come Jan I believe. (which I know sounds far away)

You may want to reach out to the SPD foundation support group in your area. Many times the leader of the group will know who to recommend etc.

Re: Starting OT- question

I think there is a shortage of OTs in general right now. We started OT about a year and a half ago, but I remember that it took a couple of months for our EI service coordinator to find someone who was available.