WWYD

malcivar

We had DS2 evaluated because we were very concerned about his food issues (won't eat anything but bread, crunchy things and baby food).  So they brought everyone in - a teacher came with a speech therapist, then an OT and a physical therapy evaluation.  No need for PT but during the one with the teacher and the ST, he was engaging them although not really able to stay on task.  However, in many of the trials, he did what he was supposed to but in a couple he couldn't complete the task - some of them, I think because we haven't been very good at showing him pretend play and we haven't really exposed him to too many other children.  The two evaluators kept talking amongst themselves about how his scores would make him ineligible but that they didn't want him 'falling through the cracks'.  The OT, as we expected, did show issues so we knew we'd get services recommended there.

We received the reports and when I read them I thought - well, they skewed these to get him to 'qualify' but I didn't say anything because last time with Chris, it was just me not ready to accept that there was anything going on.  DH gave me a really hard time about how I just got defensive and denied everything.  So I kept my thoughts to myself.  Then DH read it and I asked him what he thought and he looked reluctant and said "there was definitely some padding here".

FFWD and we had our IFSP meeting yesterday and he's going to go to a center by our house to get special instruction, speech and OT.  I like it because it looks like a typical pre-school, circle time, songs, play time, with some pull-out sessions for therapy.  It's 2 hours per day, 3 days per week.  

But should I be concerned that they 'padded' his report to get him in?  Or should I just take full advantage of the help he's being given for the next 6 months?  I agree, that the extra help couldn't hurt, but I still feel a little odd about it.

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kcisthebombdotcom

Take full advantage. So much better to be proactive vs reactive.
That bit about pretend play is just not true though. It's not something you need to teach or encourage. At 18 months my oldest was evaluated for a speech delay. He had never been around dolls as he wasn't in daycare and none of my friends/relatives had young girls. He instinctually knew what to do with it when they brought it out. It's nothing you did.

hopecounts

Nope, go with it, if he is just delayed this will help get him caught up all the sooner since he is close to the norm. 

If there is something more going on he is starting services early and the rest will reveal itself with time which is a good thing. 

Take the free services and KOKO. 

malcivar

kcisthebombdotcom said:

Take full advantage. So much better to be proactive vs reactive.
That bit about pretend play is just not true though. It's not something you need to teach or encourage. At 18 months my oldest was evaluated for a speech delay. He had never been around dolls as he wasn't in daycare and none of my friends/relatives had young girls. He instinctually knew what to do with it when they brought it out. It's nothing you did.

Yeah, he was sorta there with the doll.  He picked it up and said 'hi baby' and hugged it and gave it kisses but didn't know what to do when they gave him the bottle.  

He's more of a driving the car type kid.  His favorite thing is to announce "I'm driving" and running around going "beep beep" as he carries and "steers" a steering wheel from an old toy.

ToastieSimons

I wouldn't be concerned.  So he goes to preschool, gets some extra instruction and if it turns out he doesn't need it, he won't be worse for the wear.

EmAre

When my daughter first qualified for EI, her results were slightly padded for PT & Speech for those same reasons. Now, at 4.5 she has a significant gross motor delay (in spite of intensive therapy since 18mos) and an expressive language delay. They aren't padding his results as a courtesy. They likely see that he is in need of these services and prolonging qualification for another 6 months (until a re-eval) could be detrimental to his development. Definitely take full advantage of whatever services he can get. Best of luck!