Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

...can you please tell me what happened at the actual evaluation? What did they do with your child to test him/her? How long was it? Were you allowed to be there? Did they give you their thoughts afterwards?

Thanks so much, I am a nervous wreck!

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

My son was evaluated for speech at 2 years old. He wasn't talking a whole bunch, so our pedi wanted him to be evaluated.

He had two sessions. They basically sat on the floor with him and did a whole bunch of play type activities while asking him to do a bunch of things (point of a ballon, say a certain color, draw a line, put things in order, etc.). I was in the room at the same time, and answered any questions the evaluator had.

Each session was less than an hour. I can't remember why it was 2 sessions (and two different evaluators), but I am sure someone who had it recently can explain better.

Both evaluators asked me repeately who suggested we have him evaluated and why?? They said from what they could see, he had no issues... About two weeks later, we got the call saying his final report came back and he did not qualify for services. He averaged out at a 36 month old level (he was 25 months).

So, as was our gut feeling, he did not use any services and our pediatrician was just being overly cautious. We knew he was fine, but we didn't want to second guess anyone. We really learned a lot from his evaluation.

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

hi! i'm a speech therapist that did an internship in EI. DON'T WORRY!!!
the evalation is really pretty simple--- they do everything through play with your child. they bring toys, or use your child's toys to check and see if they do certain things. the kids actually really like it and look at it as "play time". and you DEFINITELY can be there! parents are a huge part of the evaluation- the therapists will ask you tons of questions about your child and things they're doing. some of the questions might seem like they have nothing to do with what your concerned about ( like for example, with speech we would always ask about the foods the child is eating- this has to do with them tolerating different textures and their mouth muscles developing correctly)
i'm not sure how it works in NY, but in NJ we would usually be able to give the parents our thoughts right then and there about whether the child will qualify or not.
it really is a pretty laid back/casual thing... i know its easier said than done, but try to relax! it'll be fine

x

sorry! double post!

Message edited 7/14/2008 10:09:20 PM.

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

Posted by ml110

hi! i'm a speech therapist that did an internship in EI. DON'T WORRY!!!
the evalation is really pretty simple--- they do everything through play with your child. they bring toys, or use your child's toys to check and see if they do certain things. the kids actually really like it and look at it as "play time". and you DEFINITELY can be there! parents are a huge part of the evaluation- the therapists will ask you tons of questions about your child and things they're doing. some of the questions might seem like they have nothing to do with what your concerned about ( like for example, with speech we would always ask about the foods the child is eating- this has to do with them tolerating different textures and their mouth muscles developing correctly)
i'm not sure how it works in NY, but in NJ we would usually be able to give the parents our thoughts right then and there about whether the child will qualify or not.
it really is a pretty laid back/casual thing... i know its easier said than done, but try to relax! it'll be fine

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

my son started EI at 9 months for speech. he said nothing until he was over 2.5, and didn't start speaking much until over 3.

the evals for speech at least (we didn't need the OT or PT evals) were a speech therapist and a special ed. teacher. they look to do simliar stuff but are looking for different responses. speech wants to see the words, etc, and special ed wants to see the comprehension of what is being asked.

they're easy, the kids love it. they get to play, and the threapists usually bring a bag of their own toys too. (new stuff to play with)

we had speech and special ed services until my son was 2 years 9 months, then went into a special ed preschool, where he stayed until just this june. 3 years and summers, and he's being full discharged from services at the end of august. will be starting kindergarten free and clear. (i can't tell you how much the special ed and school and such helped him, they though he was autitistic at 18 months, and EI actually paid to get him tested for it)

hth

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

Thank you all so much, I feel better already. The reason I am so nervous is because I honestly do not think that he needs services but daycare is basically forcing us to do it. I am afraid that my son will suddenly turn shy and not be "himself" at the evaluation.

Message edited 7/14/2008 10:30:50 PM.

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

just remember tHat no one can force you,However, no harm will come of it

if anything, he will get the help he needs (IF NECESSARY)

dont worry

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...

Posted by ml110

hi! i'm a speech therapist that did an internship in EI. DON'T WORRY!!!
the evalation is really pretty simple--- they do everything through play with your child. they bring toys, or use your child's toys to check and see if they do certain things. the kids actually really like it and look at it as "play time". and you DEFINITELY can be there! parents are a huge part of the evaluation- the therapists will ask you tons of questions about your child and things they're doing. some of the questions might seem like they have nothing to do with what your concerned about ( like for example, with speech we would always ask about the foods the child is eating- this has to do with them tolerating different textures and their mouth muscles developing correctly)
i'm not sure how it works in NY, but in NJ we would usually be able to give the parents our thoughts right then and there about whether the child will qualify or not.
it really is a pretty laid back/casual thing... i know its easier said than done, but try to relax! it'll be fine

Re: Please help me - If your child was evaluated for early intervention...