Early intervention ?

eMiLee920

We just had a 4mo adj developmental assessment. He's right on track. I asked about EI because my ped has been mentioning it alot. The therapist says that NJ EI changed their criteria and don't take prematurity into account. They will look at and assess my LO by his actual age of 7 mo. Which means he'll definitely qualify, but she said it's up to us if we want to pursue it now or wait. 

We're thinking of waiting til his next assessment at 6mo adj and if he's showing any delays then signing up for EI. Because I don't want to go crazy with them saying he's delayed because he's not at a 7mo development (when there's no reason for him to be because he's a preemie). But I'd like to hear your thoughts for/against EI if he's developmentally at his adj age. TIA!

2bunnbunns

I am surprised to hear that NJ EI has changed its criteria as everyone knows that you have to continue to adjust for age until age 2. I am not sure if CT adjusts for age but if you do not have concerns and the developmental assessment is showing that he is where he should be according to his adjusted age I would not be concerned. I also think its great that you are continuing to have these developmental assessments which will help you if he does start to show deficits. As for the pediatrician, some say that they automatically refer to EI if the babies are born before 32 weeks gestation (or at least that is what my pediatrician told me).

DrRx

I totally vote for EI.  I know that it has made a difference and helped Adalyn achieve her milestones.  I'm not quite sure why there would be a con to doing EI.  My program is set up that the therapist comes to my home (it has to be this way).  I can see it being a problem if you had to go somewhere, but having the lady come to my home, there really is no reason to say no.  It's an hour a week and we work on how to help Adalyn achieve her milestones. 

DoingItRight

We have been working with them for about a year and it is amazing. They have caught issues the they didn't catch in there developmental appointments because they only see them from an hour or so and the other people see them bimonthly. Mine get physical therapy, developmental, vision, and hopefully soon speech. They work with littlediscrepancies before they really show up. They have also told us how some things were are working on now will help them later.     

Wally3

My DS went to EI for speech when he was older.  The process of being evaluated can take time and sometimes there is a wait.  You might as well start the process, you can stop at anytime even in the middle of the evaluation.  THey usually send the therapist to your house.  DS loved going to therapy.

prepster7

I'm not in NJ but am a big fan of Early Intervention. The whole concept is based around the idea that the earlier you intervene, the less likely the child will have lifelong issues and/or the quicker the child will catch up. I'd take all the help you can get ...sooner rather than later. It can't hurt!