? How do you know what delays are related to prematurity?

Re: ? How do you know what delays are related to prematurity?

• TriciaJoy member

  November 2009

  How can you tell? You really can't. It's not like the only kids in the world who have delays are preemies. EI services exist because delays are common.

   

  How much does it matter? Honestly? Very little. Our state, the EI evaluaters use adjusted age for their evaluations. So for us, it matters 14 weeks. Which can be a lot. 6 weeks? Less so, but a little.

  In the end, what matters is handling the situation you're presented with.

  Robbie was born 14w (3 months) early. Most of his motor skills are more like 6 months delayed. (So he's 17 months actual, 14 months adjusted and still not crawling, for example.)

  How much of that is because he was a preemie? How much because he was born with a stomach deformity? How much of it is because he's super good-natured and mellow and just plain content not to move? How much is just plain bad luck?
  Who really knows?
  
  I know that he's behind, and he needs therapy. So he gets it.

  
  In your case, if you feel like he's falling further behind, I'd encourage you to ask for another evaluation. If he was borderline before, he might now be over the line where he'd qualify.
  If your insurance would cover it, you could even look into private therapy, which is sometimes less stringent in how they evaluate their progress.
  
  Most of all, trust your gut. If you feel like he needs some help- he probably does. 

  
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• SBMBride406

  November 2009

  We're lucky in our state, all children just need a 25% delay in one area based on actual age. So, basically, all preemies qualify, and they don't end services if they catch up unless you want them to. Marino has been caught up since about 6 months but I kept him in EI until he was running, just to be sure!

  Anyway, there's no simple answer for you, but if you think he's getting behind, as for another evaluation. I'm sort of obsessive about Marino's developmentally progress, so I know I would be concerned if I felt like he was getting further behind.

  I do have to tell you, though, that the catch up period can happen fast, and by 2, most toddlers are doing the same stuff. Marino didn't walk until 13.5 months, but 6 weeks later, he was running! His vocabulary quadrupled in a month period. Don't assume he won't be caught up by 2. That's a long time from now, in baby months!!

  Good luck, I say call for an evaluation!

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• JenniferHolly

  November 2009

  I think every baby is so different.  My boys were born at 30 weeks and have hit every single milestone so far by their actual age.  In other words, if I didn't tell someone they were former preemies it could never be guessed. They rolled, crawled, sat up, pulled to stand etc by 7 months of age. I really think prematurity is not always a factor for delays, but can be.

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• nictel

  November 2009

  Thanks guys.  I really appreciate all your responses.  I was just starting to wonder if his delays were related to his prematurity, and therefore with some extra work and support, plus time, would disappear, or if they were possibly the sign of another issue, such as a genetic disorder, etc. 

  I guess either way, I'll keep a close eye on him, work closely with him, and ask for another EI evaluation.  Hopefully with support and time he'll catch up to his peers!

  Either way, he's happy and healthy, and that's important too

  Thanks again.

  

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• lemen99 member

  November 2009

  Well said, Trish!

  I hope your LO is okay and that you get the support you need!
  

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