EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

So, after much procrastination, DH and I finally made the call to have DS evaluated. He's 2.5 so I know the clock is ticking for him to get services.

How does this all go down? Does the evaluator just come and spend the day watching? They're scheduled at 11 and he usually goes down to nap around 12:00/12:30. I know he looses patience with ME around then so I can't imagine how he'll do with a stranger.

DS is significantly (IMHO) delayed in cognitive development. He never answers questions, never answers to his name unless it's loud and sharp (think if he's in a dangerous situation and we yell his name) and he doesn't have any understanding of what we say to him/ask him. It's been so frustrating watching every other child around him having full conversations with their parents and mine is still like the wild feral kitten who can't be trained.
I just really hope that this is the step in the right direction for him. I know half of our battles would be eliminated if we could just communicate with our son..

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

You have FM!

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

I'm assuming you have also had his hearing checked?

It is a step in the right direction. The earlier he gets services, if he needs them, the better. Also, get a copy of the report when he's done. If he does not qualify for services, it may not necessarily mean he doesn't need help. Also, do not confuse language delay with cognitive delay. There are many smart kids out there who just needed a little extra push in language skills for whatever reason.

As far as the evaluation goes, it depends on the situation I believe (I'm not an EI service provider).

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Ok good, that's good to know!

I think you are heading in the right direction. It's good that you are getting him eval'd. See what they say and see what the test results come up as. If you have any questions feel free to FM.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

I'm a SLP. Feel free to FM with questions. I've done EI in Nassau too. When they come to test him, they should be there for an hour or two. There will be some picture cards and questions for expression and comprehension and some informal evaluation through play with toys. You'll also be asked questions.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

DS started EI in August, and it has only been a few months and my husband and I are so happy with the progress he has made. He is like a different child. His teachers do amazing thing with him. He is playing better, just starting to say words now, and communicating a little bit with us, but what a world of difference it has been. Good luck.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Did you have your initial meeting with an EI service coordinator?

If this is your 1st meeting, you will only fill out paperwork. Last about 1 hour. The EI coordinator will not do an eval.

If this is an eval from an evaluator, it usually last about 1 hour also. You did not mention what he will be evaluated for so I am thinking you did not your initial meeting yet.

Where are you in the process?

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

Would it be possible to reschedule to a time when DS is at his best?

We had 3 evaluators come and they all tested DS at once through observation and play (the testing lasted maybe 45 minutes). It can be a bit confusing for the child to have so much going on at once. I think you would get a more accurate view of DC if he were tested at his best time of day, rather than when he is getting tired and maybe a little cranky.

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

It is different in NY. That phone meeting you had is done in person.

They will probably send a special ed evaluator.

It is best if DC is in the best mood, but even if it is DC's best time if you reschedule, you just never know how they will react to a visitor. Also remember that they usually have a timeline for those evals to be done. In Nassau County, all evals (if you have more than one) must be done within 30 days (reports returned also) from the time of that initial meeting. I am not sure about the requirements in your area.

Essencially they bring toys and things to do. They will talk to you and DC. They will cal their name. Try to engage in play/toys. See how he interacts with toys, if he plays appropriately. Ask them to do thing (commands).

There are a few eval "methods" to measure the data that will transpire of this eval.

They will ask for your input most likely. Especially if your child is not very verbal.

Your input and their interaction with DC will determine their eval.

Honestly, don't sweat it. A lot of kids don't do well at all and it's normal and evaluators do know that.

I am assuming it will be a special ed evaluator. Make sure to ask what they are evaluating for. So you know! You might be asked later who you saw and was evals were done if you are approved in EI.

That special ed might recommend other evals by other evaluators. It is common. You mentioned cognitive "issues" so don't be surprised if you are asked if you are OK if a psychologist do an eval also.

Good luck!

Re: EI eval. What to expect? Slight pity party.

You are doing the right thing..this can ONLY help him and although it is the hardest call to make for some parents, it is the best thing to do.

I think we as parents are sometimes more scared of hearing what is not developing typically so we push it off...but its the start of getting him on the right track.

Good luck to you guys!!