So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

We did this at 12 MOS (when she wasn't crawling, and crawled at 14 1/2 MOS). Now she is ALMOST 18 MOS and not walking or even pulling up. We are not going the Early Intervention route at this point. We are going to St Charles Pediatric Rehab Clinic as their pediatric PT's are supposed to be great. Let's see what the evaluation says:)

I still believe in my heart it's laziness and too much coddiling on my part but we'll see.

My Pediatrician made me nervous saying if she has weak low muscle tone she'll need to see a Neurologist but her legs are stronger than ever so I doubt it!

Message edited 3/22/2010 5:41:05 PM.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Can I ask why you don't want to go through EI?

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Sure! I don't really see a point right now. She is NOT delayed in one other area and its a "process" and time consuming for EI--a lot slower than the appt I made today for 7 days from now:) I don't have to wait for this and that and I have insurance and its just a copay for PT so we are going this route.

Posted by KateDevine



Can I ask why you don't want to go through EI?

Message edited 3/22/2010 5:44:09 PM.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Good luck, I'll bet she starts walking the day of the appointment! I would go the private route also, less of a process, paperwork, etc.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Good luck!!!!

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

She just might. Maybe it's also the "labeling"thing I don't like.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

I can't understand why you would not want to go through EI. They are trained professionals whose job is to help you get the services your DD may need. The fear of labeling thing is selfish to me. As a parent it is our job to do everything we can to protect our children, help them grow up healthy and happy. An 18 month old knows nothing about a label. Not trying to flame you but it upsets me to hear you are not contacting EI because of the fear of your DD being labeled.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

First off, no REAL offense taken. Its a PERSONAL CHOICE for me. I am an early childhood teacher and I see what parents go through when then enter school having had Early Intervention, etc. I just don't feel the need to go through EI right now. I mean, why, really? Doing it this way is the same PT's that will help my daughter. Perhaps I'll change my mind, but right now its how I FEEL:) Thank you for your opinion Lori, I appreciate everyones individual feelings on topics.

Message edited 3/22/2010 6:14:53 PM.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

At this point, I think it is a good idea to seek another consultation with a specialist....Just to ease your mind if nothing else. Since she is reaching all her milestones and your gut feeling is she is just a little lazy, I would bet that she will catch up soon... and quickly. I do wonder why you would not want to go with EI? Do you think that this route is easier/better? I have a lot of confidence in the EI programming, but know very little about the private sector.

As a Special Ed teacher the labeling issue is interesting.....Some parents deperately try to attach a label so their child will get as many services as possible, and others will do anything to avoid having a label.

Best of Luck!!



ETA: We posted minutes apart and my question was answered

Message edited 3/22/2010 6:14:44 PM.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Did your pediatrician say she has low tone or did she say you should see if she does? I'd think a regular pediatrcian would recognize low tone rather easily. If she does in fact have low tone, then it might not be laziness or coddling so don't blame yourself. I hope you get the answers you seek and the help your DD needs. I'd still recommend EI though. It is a great program.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

I know we have Fm'ed about this but to put it out there - they don't get "labeled" unless they are diagnosed with a specific disability until they are school age. In EI, the records are closed if you don't go to CPSE and in CPSE the child is labeled "preschooler with a disability".

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

My son is big for his age and STRONG and I was VERY surprised to learn that he technically has low muscle tone. I would never have guessed it in a million years and I am a teacher as well.

Good luck with everything.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

As someone whose daughter did qualify for EI from a motor delay perspective, when they come to evaluate they are really only looking at the areas that are concerns. The end result for me, is that Sasha qualifies to get physical therapy once a week from an EI PT in my home. She doesn't see any other kinds of therapists.

Now, since I am in NJ-- it's a whole other ball of wax. I have to pay for it here, and what I pay is MORE expensive than my insurance co-pay. AND the PT I got IMO is sub-par and half-arses her job. I posted on a local mom board I use here and I got a few responses from moms who felt the same way about the lackluster service. So-- I am choosing now to look into where I can take Sasha and just pay for it-- assuming my insurance covers it. ETA-- I think because of the structure of EI here, you sometimes are not getting someone you are happy with. I only know from people I talk to-- but everyone in NY seems to be very pleased with the whole EI program.

I have been working with her myself and have seen the most progress with what *I* do for her. I encouraged her to pull up in the bath-- figuring the water would help her (I sit in the bath with her). But this was after I had seen her get up on one knee, and put the other foot flat-- so, she was getting it, just needed encouragement.

Then with the cruising, it was after she was standing up great on her own-- you just move toys around and move her feet a bit side to side til she gets it. And then use push toys to go forward. The progress she has made in a week is amazing, and even in the last 24 hours is incredible. She was running around the apt with a walker toy and 8 weeks ago she wasn't even crawling.

Message edited 3/22/2010 6:40:24 PM.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

You may want to try a doorway jumper to create muscle tone! I worked for a family whose dd had low mt due to too much magnesium during her first year of life. Mg causes the muscle to atrophy and is found in children who have severe gastro issues.

Good Luck!!!!

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

good luck!

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

goodluck!

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

Good Luck

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

DS was 18 months when I took him to the orthopedic surgeon for a consult since he wasnt walking---he walked later that day lol

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

You do have 2 choices.

Go to a PT with your insurance but most likely you will be limited on how long this will be going on.

Go to EI. Trust me! I was so worried about the labeling that when I first contacted them, they assured me that the records are sealed. They will NOT be released to any school district. Nobody has to know.

The advantage of EI is that they have professionals who work with children of the age of your child on a daily basis. That's their only age group. You will also be receiving services until she is evaluated that she no longer needs them. Not because of insurance cap. So if she needs services, she will get them until she is 3. That's 1.5 year of services.

DS gets 2 OT and 2 PT per week. He will get 1.5 yo of services under EI. There is no way my insurance could offer that many sessions for that long.

It is up to you but "fear" of EI and labeling was for most of us before we called them.

Then you realized it's such a great service. Again, records are SEALED. Your school would never know. And if she needs PT after EI, you could always go to a "regular" PT. Again, nobody will ever need to know.

Re: So We Are Bringing Chloe For Another PT Evaluation Re: Not WALKING OR PULLING UP YET at Almost 18 MOS

If your Ped suspects low muscle tone you should think about making an appointment to see an Orthopedic. Good look with the PT appointment.