Can I ask for more services based on reports?

DS (2.5 years old) just got his 6 month IFSP reports back, his IFSP is expiring in the middle of this month and I have to go back to the county to discuss this and renew his IFSP for the next 6 months (he turns 3 in August so will be with EI until then). DS currently is in an ABA program and he gets Speech 2x a week for 30 minutes. His speech therapist noted in her latest report that he is in 1st percentile for expressive/receptive communication. He has been getting services for a year now so it's just a bit upsetting to me that there really hasn't been much improvement (aside from some pointing). Based on the report, do you think I would have grounds to ask for more speech sessions at my upcoming IFSP county meeting with the EIOD? Also do I have to request this from CPSE as well? (I have my meeting with them April 1st). TIA.

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Absolutely ask for more speech at his IFSP meeting. He will be completely re evaluated for his CPSE transition and you will have a meeting with the school district, county rep and evaluators. Preschool services will be determined then.

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Ok thanks. I don't know if it matters that my Speech therapist didn't specifically write in the report a recommendation for more sessions...

Also for CPSE they said they are just going to use the most current EI report for speech. The only eval he is going to get that is new is Psych/Social.

Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Ask for more than you think you want, so you have room for negotiation.

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Thank you... I should ask for 5 days but they will probably consider than an unreasonable request!

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

My son gets speech 3x a week. He has come so far with his speech it's beautiful. He has 2x per week out of the class and 1x with peers.

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

You can definitely get more. My son has CP and we get two hours per week. In NYC at least the therapist has to write a short justification.

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

I would ask for what he needs (not more!). If he hasn't made gains at 2/week 30 minutes I would ask for 3/45minutes or 4/30minutes. You have to look at his strengths/weakness, the gap between where he is functioning and where his typically developing peers are functioning, his rate of progress and his retention of mastered skills. Considering all of those things, how much "skilled" support doses he need inorder to make gains and close that gap. The speech therapist doesn't have to write a recommendation for an increase in her report. Just state at the meeting that you would like his speech services increased based upon the above mentioned considerations and his scores on standardized testing (along with any observations you have had as his mom regarding his speech an language skills).

Re: Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Thank you that helps. I was told that at a center based program they only do 30 min sessions so I think I will aim for 4x 30. I also wrote a note today in DS' communication notebook to his speech teacher asking her about her thoughts as a professional.

Can I ask for more services based on reports?

I would definitely ask and try to get it in place before the transition to CPSE. I would also see if the class has a group session. While I see the benefit with one and one (and think it's better) sometimes kids do well because they are modeling other children, etc.

Can I ask for more services based on reports?

Ask for 5 days. I know there were kids at my DS's preschool that got 5 days. We got 4x - twice at home and twice at school when he was in EI. In my experience, the therapists and teachers are discouraged from making recommendations. They wait for the parent to ask for it, and I would ask my therapists if they thought I should ask for more or not.

Message edited 3/10/2015 12:58:31 PM.