speech therapy through Infants & Toddlers ?

dixee.deluxe

I spoke to DD#1's pediatrician about her speech and he said we won't worry about it until she's 2 because her comprehension is awesome.  He said by then, she should have at least 20 words that anyone can understand.  At this point, I'd be stretching to say she has 5 words that anyone can understand (ball, bee, elbow, shoes....)

It's becoming apparent that she isn't going to magically know a bunch of words or how to form sentences in the next 3 months.  I think it's going to be time for an intervention.  An SLP here at work told me MD Infants & Toddlers does in home speech therapy for free for children under 3.  So I guess that's where I'm going to start. 

I've Googled and info on websites is pretty scarce.  I think I need a referral from her pedi, though, so I'd like to go in armed with the forms when I take her for her 2y appt so I can get things in motion right away.

Has anyone been through this?  I'm in Carroll County.

MDdairybaby

I tried to get physical therapy from the county.  They have to be very far behind to qualify (I think about 6 months). They can do the evaluation but don't get upset if you don't qualify... It's a good thing. There were no forms, I just had to call the number and set up the appointments.

dixee.deluxe

MDdairybaby:

I tried to get physical therapy from the county.  They have to be very far behind to qualify (I think about 6 months). They can do the evaluation but don't get upset if you don't qualify... It's a good thing. There were no forms, I just had to call the number and set up the appointments.

I have a feeling she's going to qualify

I kept hoping for some magic.  That she'd suddenly speak.  But, it's mostly grunting. 

Snowhte21

I'm a speech language pathologist in Anne Arundel Co. By age 2, children should have at least 50 words and should start putting 2 words together. You do not need a pediatrician referral to call Infants & Toddlers. The number for Carroll Counties program is 410-876-4437, x277. They will come to your house and determine if an evaluation is needed. 

FYI:  Your child and family may be eligible for early intervention services if your child is under three years of age and has at least one of the following:

• A delay of 25 percent or more in development;

  or

• Is developing in a way that is considered ?atypical? for most children his or her age; or

• A diagnosed condition that is likely to affect development, such as a genetic disorder or severe hearing or vision impairment. 

  
  

  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. 

jcsntms06

I know in Harford County I just called the Infants and Toddler problem and they came out and looked at Annabelle when she was only a month old. It's a free service, and I'm not sure I had a referral from her pedi or neo from the NICU.

They also give out handouts for what children should be doing at each month or stage, hopefully that can help. Good luck.

DoIreallyWantToChangeMyName

We are doing Infants & Toddlers through Howard County. We are on session #2.

dixee.deluxe

Snowhte21:

I'm a speech language pathologist in Anne Arundel Co. By age 2, children should have at least 50 words and should start putting 2 words together. You do not need a pediatrician referral to call Infants & Toddlers. The number for Carroll Counties program is 410-876-4437, x277. They will come to your house and determine if an evaluation is needed. 

FYI:  Your child and family may be eligible for early intervention services if your child is under three years of age and has at least one of the following:

• A delay of 25 percent or more in development;

  or

• Is developing in a way that is considered ?atypical? for most children his or her age; or

• A diagnosed condition that is likely to affect development, such as a genetic disorder or severe hearing or vision impairment. 

  
  

  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. 

There's NO WAY she's getting 50 words in less than 3 months!  She only puts two words together sometimes, but I think she thinks it's one word.  "Up Please".  She used to say it really clearly, but now she says "uhpeace".  So she isn't really understanding they are WORDS. 

I'm going to give them a call.  Thank you so much!

KathrynMD

the 2 word phrases are supposed to be 2 concepts - like "throw ball" or "dog out"

There could very well be a word "explosion" but it makes sense to get an evaluation if you are concerned.

shaina1215

I could tell my DD was behind in speech by 24 mo and was worried. She had the target number of words but could not put 2 words together and was still grunting a lot instead of saying words. My pediatrician was never worried but told me to have her evaluated because I was worried. You go through your county's program. 2 therapists came to our home and tested her through game-based play and questions about her that I answered. They will test all areas of development, not just the area you are concerned about. The "scores" are the age at which they are performing at (vs. their actual age). So for example In gross motor development she might test at age 20 months instead of her actual age of 24 mo. My DD was either on target or above in all areas except speech (which we knew), but she was not delayed enough to qualify for therapy. They will also suggest you get her hearing tested, which also is through a free county program. In the end, my DD did grow in her speech skills on her own in time. Although she is still a little behind (at 33 mo) she is way ahead of where she was, so I know she's progressing, just at a slower rate than most kids.

dixee.deluxe

KathrynMD:

the 2 word phrases are supposed to be 2 concepts - like "throw ball" or "dog out"

There could very well be a word "explosion" but it makes sense to get an evaluation if you are concerned.

She did say "MOMMY EYE!" yesterday, but I tried to get her to say it again and she wouldn't.