Question about speech delay

My grandson is 21 mths old and has less than 5 words in his vocabulary.
He communicates through screeching and pointing. He's a smart child. When my DD talks to him and asks him questions he understands it. He knows all his body parts, he knows animal noises, he knows who everyone is and he even knows grandma is in the computer , he knows a lot.

She's tried to get an evaluation for him and is being told they need to see a 50% delay. Basically evaluating him against a 10 month old and since 10 month olds don't speak, they are giving her a hard time setting up an appointment.

She already spoke with her pediatrition and she's going to help push things along.

My question is, is this comparison 18 mth old to a 9 month the norm? It doesn't make sense to me, but I have no experience in this.

TIA

Edited to fix his age

Message edited 2/14/2011 8:40:40 PM.

Re: Question about speech delay

My son is 16 months and does all the same things. My ped told me as long as he understands and can follow commands, there is no reason to suspect a speech delay. They won't do an evaluation before he's 2. I wouldn't really worry yet.

Re: Question about speech delay

Posted by KennysMommy

My son is 16 months and does all the same things. My ped told me as long as he understands and can follow commands, there is no reason to suspect a speech delay. They won't do an evaluation before he's 2. I wouldn't really worry yet.

Message edited 2/14/2011 8:41:06 PM.

Re: Question about speech delay

DS just turned 16 months and I am having him evaluated Wednesday. He has no words..not one...not even mama dada (although he DID . The case worker who was here, after seeing him basically told me he is not going to qualify and to not worry until he is 2

Re: Question about speech delay

Hi, we got Shane evaluated last July (at around 21 months).. He did qualify based on his speech delay but the numbers I recall them quoting were 33% "total delay" - so basically if the child has say a 25% delay in speech, they won't qualify, but if they have that delay and say, a 10% delay in another category (sensory, social/emotional, motor sklls, cognitive development etc) -- that would qualify.

I don't understand the "comparison" to a 10month old you're referencing?? Nothing like that was part of our paperwork?

Is he in NY?? The requirements may be different in different states, I'm not certain... But I definitely didn't need a pediatrician's input to get the evaluation done, they didn't require that at all, I just called the EI # for Queens, and they set me up with a local agency to get him evaluated. Once he was approved I worked through that agency to schedule his therapists! The process was really smooth, so if they are in NY I highly recommend that route!!

Re: Question about speech delay

What state is your grandson in? The above poster is correct...the 50% delay is way off in NYS. Not sure where that information came from.

Message edited 2/14/2011 10:27:19 PM.

Re: Question about speech delay

Re: Question about speech delay

They are in another state.
So maybe the requirements are different.

The ped made the recommendation because she is involved with the early intervention program in their area.

She was told if he doesn't qualify for the program they will at least give her exercises to do at home with him.

Thank you for the replies. Hopefully she gets some answers soon.

Re: Question about speech delay

Hi again I just googled a little and found this info on the state website, is it possible someone misheard the "15" as "50"? Stranger things have happened!!!


Who is eligible for early intervention in the State of Alaska?
Any child under the age of three years when:
They show at least a 15% delay in one or more of these developmental areas:
Moving (gross motor)
Using Hands (fine motor)
Thinking/Learning (cognitive)
Understanding/Talking (communication/language)
Getting along with others (social/emotional)
Doing things for him/her self (adaptive)
Have a diagnosed condition that may lead to a significant delay or
Are at risk for a developmental delay.


Any infant or toddler with a diagnosed or suspected development delay needs a screening and or evaluation to determine eligibility to be enrolled in a program.
Screening - is a quick look at how a child s learning and growing.
Evaluation - included developmental tests and evaluation by qualified professionals to determine a child's initial and continuing eligibility. The evaluation will determine the status of the infant or toddler in all of the developmental areas and;
Will occur only with your written permission
Identify strengths and concerns
Determine eligibility for early intervention services
You always have a choice to receive or refuse these services.

link here!

Re: Question about speech delay

Message edited 2/15/2011 9:52:15 AM.