Evan's EI appt (long)
It went pretty well. He was quite a charmer. He does qualify for speech therapy...so that's good that we can get that going soon.
They also want him to get his hearing tested because when she was shaking something behind him - he just continued to look at the new toys she brought. I'm assuming it's because he was so happy to play with new toys and books:) but obviously we want to rule out fluid in his ears. He's never had an ear infection - so I don't really think he does...but I guess you never know! I never suspected any type of hearing loss or anything...so I hope this is not the case.
He also qualifies for Occupational Therapy or Special Ed or whatever you call it - which made me pretty upset...because I guess I wasn't expecting it. They said he pays a lot of attention to what he's doing, which is good, but he is VERY self-directed and not parent directed. This is something that I never really thought about as being something EI can help with...but obviously we notice this as a huge issue with him. He does what he wants to do, when he wants to do it.
ALSO....they want him to be evaluated by someone else with regards to sensory sensitivities, just in case. He used to be SUPER sensitive to music and strangers...but he has gotten 99% better with that. But they want to make sure he didn't take those issues and manifest them somewhere else - as in maybe the reason he likes to run around places and not pay attention to where we are is because the lights and stimulation of the store bothers him too much. Again, I guess it's something to look at - but they didn't think it would be an issue.
They didn't bring up Autism or anything like that - and I was too afraid to ask although I wish I would have now.
They made sure to tell me over and over and over how this has nothing to do us as parents or anything...it just means that he needs some specific teaching and EI will be great for him. They were super impressed with him knowing all his letters so well...and he did great with the physical eye-hand coordination tasks. I was SHOCKED he sat there and played with them for so long...he would never do that with me!! But this is another reason why it's so good to have someone come in - since he definitely seems more open to learning from strangers - haha!
So yeah - I got pretty emotional at the end...it's so hard to even think about your kid having some special needs - even if they are few. One of the evaluators was talking about her family and she has a daughter with Downs...so she knows all too well how emotional it is to deal with delays and the ideas of what is "normal."
We took the kids out after and I got a donut. So much for my diet today. We also went to the outlet mall and walked around and I bought a new Coach purse. So a little food and retail therapy has lifted my spirits a little 
Re: Evan's EI appt (long)
You should be proud that you had him evaluated- some parents would just overlook any issues and hope that they grow out of it...you guys did the right thing. Its tough to hear but you got some answers and now you can make some modifications to make things go smoother.
I missed the original post but what happened that made you call the EI in the first place? was it certain behaviors or just a feeling?
::HUGS:: give yourself a pass on the diet..
m/c 1/2/08 and 3/12/08
Eve Amelia- Born 2/24/09. 6lb 9.9oz
Natalie Ruth - Born 6/13/11 7lb 6.6oz
I am so glad you had the eval! I've said it before and I'll say it again. It isn't giving birth to the perfect kid that makes a great parent. It is identifying and providing everything your child needs so they can become a happy and successful adult! This is definitely a great mom moment because you are making sure he is getting help in all the areas he needs a little extra help in!
And the evaluators wouldn't be able to make a diagnosis of any sort. You would need a Dr or specialist to do that. When Ty has his initial eval, around the same age as Evan, the therapists didn't say anything about what they were suspecting, but I could tell they were suspecting something. I had no idea what at the time, it wasn't until later when every one would say they thing and use autism as an example that I realizes what they were suspecting. What they did, was set up (and paid for) an appointment with a developemental pediatrician. If they suspected anything during Evan's Eval, they would have done the same.
As for the OT and special instruction teacher, I have to say, I suspected that just from your posts since Evan was a baby. That is part of why I was kind of pushy about suggested you get an eval. I am not an expert or anything, I only know of my own experiences and what I have read up on.
I think I will send you a PM on FB once we get home from our vacation. We are up on Fourth Lake right now, I will think of you when we drive through HP later today!
Thanks ladies - I'm still having a rough time with this. I know they said that we didn't have anything to do with it but I just don't really believe it I guess. Evan really got the short end of the stick when we had another baby so soon - and I really hope he can catch up with things.
And yes - Mindy...I'd love any info/insight you have
well said M!
I'm sure that was a lot to take in!
You are awesome parents
Charlie 11.01.07 ~ Paul 05.07.10 ~ Annaliese 02.24.12
It sounds like they did a great job of evaluating him and explaining everything to you. As difficult as it must be to hear, you have done the best thing for him by getting him help now instead of waiting. The earlier he receives services, the better his chances of overcoming any issues he might have.
I would have probably had two donuts AND a white hot chocolate after that morning! lol
Ditto to this! Glad you were able to get some answers.
Agree!!