EI visit done. Next steps now..

Ok. We qualify for services.

Their recommendation was to get an appointment with a Developmental Pediatrician asap but that it could likely take up to 6-8 months for an appointment. We live on the Cape so we'd have to go see someone up at Children's in Boston. Are these visits usually covered by insurance?

I know they saw most of what DH and i have been and I think the evaluators realized pretty quickly that DS does have more issues going on than just some simple speech delay. I'm glad that it's over but I feel like we've only taken the first baby step in what is going to be a long, long process..

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

Who came to visit?
was it. Psychologist?
what was their recommendation besides a developments pediatrician?

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

what evals were done?

what did they say he qualified for?

did they say if the dev ped would diagnosis him or was a psych done for that?

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

It sounds like you know where you stand with your dc...the appointment with the developmental ped. is simply to confirm or deny a specific dx. which really should just be looked as a vehicle for getting more services if one is determined...If you've been approved for services then you are already in motion...A good thing to remember when working with therapists and your dc : Treat symptoms and work with strengths Don't treat a diagnosis. In other words don't get caught up in waiting around for what one doctor has to say about your dc. Start educating yourself and being discriminating with the therapists who see your dc. Remember you know your dc best, make sure whatever treatment they are doing works for you and your dc. A former professor of mine put it best, "Labels are for cans"... Start your work by examining with your therapists dc's strengths and how to use them to tap into his areas of weakness. Don't waste time waiting for a dx. The true work starts now and as your dc's parent you know more about your dc than anybody. The best way to empower yourself and take a leadership role in dc's treatment is to educate yourself as much as possible, and your reaching out to the parents and professionals on this board is a fantastic place to start.

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

There are no "psych" evaluations done here. It's one big evaluation because the therapists here work on all areas and not just one therapist for one specific weakness. So for instance, they assign us a therapist who comes for 1.5-2 hours and works on ALL his areas instead of just one therapist for speech, another for something else, etc....

He needs most work in Speech, and "Socio-emotional" something or another..

I'm not sure what the Developmental Ped would do for us aside from give us the 'official' word about a diagnosis. I just really wanted to get a jump start on therapy at this point.

Does anyone do supplemental Speech Therapy in addition to what EI provides?

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

Hmmm...One therapist to cover all of your son's services??? I would definitely look into private OT and speech to start, in addition to what he's going to get at home. And depending on the healthcare laws in your state they may be covered by your insurance plan? I would probably start with a phone call to your health insurance company to see what they are willing to cover and what they are not? HTH

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

i would also look into colleges that have a special ed department..

i know in NY Hofstra has a very big special ed program, and they have programs 1:1 & group for children to receive services and most are free.

when AJ was first DX hofstra did 5 months of 1:1 therapy... all for free on top of what i was getting from the state.

Re: EI visit done. Next steps now..

Message edited 1/6/2011 10:18:16 AM.