When did you call early intervention in?

smiling76

So I posted previously asking about how young those with LO's who have sensory issues saw their problems and after really thinking about it--- I am 99.9% sure DS2 also has sensory issues.  But in this case, I think they are far worse than DS1 (who I consider to be relatively bad)--so I'm kind of upset. 

He literally can't sit still.  I can't even read him a short 3-5 page baby story.  However, ironically enough he will sit still for an activity book like those "touch and feel" books.   He throws himself off of furniture and truly never gets hurt.  It's like he "craves" it much like DS2.  And very much UNLIKE DS1, he NEVER EVER watches tv.  Ever.  Not even for 5 minutes (and trust me, I've tried because sometimes mommy just needs a 10 minute break, right??)

I also have concerns about his speech, but since he's 19 months old there is a chance he can catch up still.  I don't feel he has the apraxia that DS1 has --but there's certainly "SOMETHING" happening there---I'm just not sure what. 

I just don't want to make that call and they say I have to wait until a certain timeframe.  BUT I don't want to wait too long.  For DS1 we didn't call until about he was over 2 yrs old (about 26 months old).  And I regret waiting that long. 

Also--- what were they looking for in their evaluation for occupational therapy/sensory issues?  DS1 at that time of evaluation didn't show that he had sensory issues but did after the age of 3 when he got in to the elementary school program.  I'm just afraid someone visiting the house for 20 minutes will miss it. 

birdie_1010

We were having our oldest son evaluated in the spring of 2010.  He was identified through the school district as qualifying for services under ASD.  During that time, we started noticing the similarities we were seeing in DS2 that apparently should have been red flags for us with DS1.  We started the eval process at 15 months for him and have never looked back.  He started getting EI so young and it was the best thing I have ever done. 

I would call now if you are concerned. 

mommy0411

I would go ahead and call EI. I self referred my son at 18 months because of his language and he sounds very similar to your son. He is constantly sensory seeking. I am not sure exactly how my son qualified for OT because we was delayed on everything but gross motor (because he his sensory issues make him very motivated to always move). The OT confirmed his sensory issues and low muscle tone after watching him for 10 minutes but they spent over an hour evaluating him. If you can, ask specifically for an OT to evaluate him because you are concerned about SPD. That is what I did and it was very helpful!

Remember it takes a while to get services started after EI is notified so its better to get things started.  

wellfleet04

What is the downside to calling?  Say they come out and do see something.  Then you've gotten the ball rolling.  If they don't?  Well, you can keep watching, and have a private eval down the road if you think you need it.  FWIW, DD was in EI as an infant for torticollis, but I then called again when she was 15 months for gross motor delay (didn't qualify) and again at 2.5 years for the same thing (qualified, but for so little services that it literally wasn't worth it to pay the fee).  At 2.5 I took her for a private PT/OT eval, and they were the first people to figure out what was actually going on with her.  EI missed it all three times.  But I don't regret calling, because at least for me it feels better to be proactive, even if it doesn't wind up being "right."

kcisthebombdotcom

We called EI at 16 months. Started speech at 17 months. Had her evaluated for sensory issues at 19 months. Started OT at the same time. It's not too young.

My DD's OT eval took like 1.5 hours. They played a variety of games with her and went through a long questionnaire of parent-reported behaviors.