Had the eval today: Evan is delayed but doesn't qualify for E.I.

MrsGabbs4Ed

He was on target for everything except speech.  They said he is at a 12 month old level for that.  (he will be 16 months next week).  They were not concerned with the head banging and said it was most likely due partly to not being able to say words and wanting to be picked up/paid attention to when tantruming.  I was given some worksheets with suggestions for how to work with him, info on how to combat the head banging and was told if he does not improve and get some words by the time he's 2 to call back and have the case reopened.  Just felt like giving an update since I know there were a couple people that were asking (DebsPSU and Andrea are the ones I recall).  So there ya go.  Meh.

Bashert628

Why did they evaluate him at 16 months? We were told to wait until 18 months and them we made an appointment and by the time they evaluated Jackson he was 19 months and didn't start therapy until 20 months.

MrsGabbs4Ed

Bashert628:

Why did they evaluate him at 16 months? We were told to wait until 18 months and them we made an appointment and by the time they evaluated Jackson he was 19 months and didn't start therapy until 20 months.

I was concerned so a coworker gave me the number.  I called and did the interview thing on the phone and then bam! The next day they schedule the eval and 2 days later they're at my house.  I had no idea there was a certain time to have it done.

Bashert628

I'm not sure if there is or not. My pedi just said to wait until he wa 18 months but I'm not sure if that's the norm. I hope his speech starts improving soon!

DebsPSUbride

Thanks for the update.  They are still here scoring her, and she also is delayed but won't qualify for speech.  They said she's also behind cognitively, so she may qualify for that, and then they also work with speech.  I will update in about an hour with if she is getting services or not.

MrsGabbs4Ed

Bashert628:

I'm not sure if there is or not. My pedi just said to wait until he wa 18 months but I'm not sure if that's the norm. I hope his speech starts improving soon!

I don't give a sh*t what my ped thinks or says since I am in the process of switching right now (although she did tell me last fall that he should have 5 clear words by 15 months...and he doesn't).  So  I sort of called on my own and didn't wait for the ped to tell me to (or not to).

And Debs....good luck with the rest of your eval!

JenG-SLP

I am an SLP and I used to work for EI.  There is no specific age that a child should be evaluated for speech.  Many peds will tell you 18 months, but that's not a "set in stone"age.  EI is for birth to age 3, for ALL services.  And you do not have to wait for your pediatrician to recommend evaluation.

Gabbs, for what it's worth, your ped is  off base saying a 15 month old should have 5 clear words.  An average 15 month old has 3 true words.   If you have any questions about what the EI evaluators told you, or the suggestions they gave you, just let me know.  I'll be happy to help.

blairsgirl

Sofia and Ava were first evaluated at 15 months and did not qualify. They were reevaluated at 18 months and qualified. It was not a problem to get the second evaluation. My Ped never said anything about waiting until 18 months, but they probably all have different recommendations. Gia is closer in age to your son. She is 17 months and has 5 words. They told me at 15 months she should have 3 words. I was getting concerned and then literally the next week she popped out with a few words. 

robynlesley

I don't know what you are planning to do, but I'd definitely get a re-evaluation in a few months if your son's language skills aren't improving.

Another option: see if speech therapy with a pedi's Rx is covered under your health insurance. Maybe you can do some therapy privately for a time?