Early Intervention Questions I can ask?

jerseycaptive

I'm meeting with my case manager tomorrow morning, and I'm trying desperately to get more services for my little guy.  I don't know what to ask or what my options are.

Right now, DS is getting PT 1x/week for about 30 minutes a session (plus the P therapist is always late, but that's another story).  It's not enough.  He needs ST and OT, but they're terrified to give him ST (he doesn't eat by mouth).  He had all 3 before when he was an in-patient and everyone was absolutely lovely.

What questions should I ask?  Suggestions to other things I can do?  I'm willing to try private therapists. It seems in my county, our services are through one hospital system so we're limited, but I'm not sure. DS is only 15 months. 

Thanks.

bryslady

I'm not sure if this will help or not, but the first thought I had was to open up his IFSP and add new goals that require getting the services you want.

For example, talk alot about how you wish he used his hands more and say that you really feel like he should be working on picking up an object and placing it is a bowl.  ( i have no idea where your son's abilities are so please forgive my examples  

and also just telling them that you are really concerned about what YOU should be doing to work with him and could really use some expert direction. (at least in our state the program is structure to "enable" parents to do the therapy so couching it in "please help me to help him" is something they like to work with.)

Actually I bet it may be easier than you think as Kelsey got to add speech right around her first birthday too.  I think as kids transition from baby to toddler the expectations of them go up and they are more willing to add services.

 

Mbitner

One thought is swallow therapy (if their goal is for him to get oral feedings eventually.)  My son gets swallow/speech therapy by an SLP.  Speech therapy is also an option if he has speech/language delays- they dont have to work on feeding.  Good luck! 

angie854

I agree with bryslady. I'm an OT working with the EI population and all you should have to do is ask. You're the parent so you have the ultimate say so. Even if the EI doesn't think your son needs additional therapy, you have the right to say that you'd like to get him evaluated and let the OT or SLP decide if he needs the additional services. GL and stay strong.