Had our EI evaluation today.

DD is 17 months and is not walking well. She takes at most 6 steps and plops. We had an EI evaluation today and she didn't qualify for services. I'm stunned and disappointed.

We previously met with a different physical therapist and she thought we would qualify. I guess I'm going to see if our medical insurance will cover some PT to help her along.

Any other suggestions on what we can do? I really feel that DD needs help with her gross motor skills.

Re: Had our EI evaluation today.

Can you walk with her? DS was "late" too and I used to go to LICM and he would walk great holding my hand. That's how he gained confidence and strength to do it on his own.

Re: Had our EI evaluation today.

DS was also a late walker. We did qualify for service when he was 12 months old. I can give you some tips on what the PT did and had us work on if you want. In the meantime definately check with your insurance. We wound up using a private PT because EI was so expensive (in NJ). FM me if you want.

Re: Had our EI evaluation today.

DS was a late walker, started taking steps by himself at around 17 months, and from there it slowly became more and more and and now at almost 19 months is a true walker. I even had gotten the EI process going and will be canceling it. I found when DS was just beginning we started with motivators, such as toys, snacks and then when he became more comfortable, he just started walking for any old reason. Also a PT i knew recommended having DS stand against a wall with his back to it and holding up a snack and making him walk from there. He said pushing off the wall helps some kids to begin. It didn't work well for my DS but maybe your DC will like it Hang in there...i was so frustrated and so sad everytime i saw a walker or heard a younger kid was walking. I truly believe DS could have done it sooner, but wasn't ready for whatever reason (he had the skills but was scared or unsteady). We could see how unsure he was when he began walking and now, what a difference, he flies down the hall b/c he's confident with it

ETA- the past month he loved holding our hand to walk, like Sophy said, and that helped also

Message edited 1/20/2009 7:18:39 PM.

Re: Had our EI evaluation today.

sorry double post

Message edited 1/20/2009 7:18:23 PM.