Community› The Bump Message Boards› Special Needs
Special Needs
New Discussion

EI evaluation tomorrow--what should I expect?

abs05abs05 member
in Special Needs

Hope this is okay to ask.  I've been lurking for a few weeks but haven't seen the answer to this.

My daughter will be two next month.  She had a mini word explosion around 15 months but hasn't progressed much since and still says less than 15 words with no two word phrases. She also hasn't added any new words in almost 6 months.  EI will be coming to our house tomorrow to do an evaluation.  We are most concerned about speech but have some other concerns as well. 

What should I expect tomorrow?  How long does the evaluation typically last?  Thanks for any feedback!

 

Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
Report Reply to Post

Re: EI evaluation tomorrow--what should I expect?

  • EVA116EVA116 member

    For DD's evaluation we had a ST and a DT. It was later determined that she needed to be evaluated by an OT.

    They sat in her playroom with me and watched her while asking me questions. They worked with her on a few things to see if she could complete some tasks and how she went about it. ie: stacking blocks, putting things in a cup and taking them out.

    They mostly listened to a lot of what I said. It is important to be honest with them because they take what you say very seriously in their evaluation.

    Based on what I said and what DD did they said she need speech once a week and DT every other week and that she should be evaluated by OT. We then sat down and came up with goals for the therapy and what we wanted out of the therapy and what was important to work on.

    I got a ton of paperwork in the mail a few days later that outlined what we had talked about and showed where DD scored on scales of development.

    It was very laid back. ( I was so nervous though)

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

     
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • abs05abs05 member

    That is very helpful, thanks!  How long were they there?

    I am about to throw up I am so nervous.  lol

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • EVA116EVA116 member
    They were there for about 45 mins and then we took 15 to write up the plan for DD, like how many times a week they would come and what we wanted to focus on and what our end goal was.

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

     
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • abs05abs05 member

    Okay, an hour sounds about right.  I'm dreading tomorrow so much but am looking forward to answers. Thanks again!

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • MaxandRubyMaxandRuby member

    Try not to be too nervous! Be honest with your answers so they have the most complete picture and can provide the right kind of help should your child qualify for services.

    I've dealt with EI in 4 states and it is all basically the same. Either one or more therapists will come to your home (or wherever you've agreed to). They will talk to you, ask you some questions, and play with your child. The play is actually purposeful. They are looking to see what the child can do, what they can't do, etc. They may do a quick hearing test also (this was done in one state I had their services). You may or may not have paperwork to complete prior to the meeting. If so, you'll be going over that.

    Report Reply
  • socariassocarias
    I am a speech pathologist and a new mom-to-be!  I thought I would check this board to offer support/advise to other moms about what I do.  You are doing the right thing by getting your daughter evaluated.  The assessments are play-based and at her age will be conducted in her most natural environment (home).  If she needs speech/language therapy, it is best to start early.  This does not mean she will always need it, but is currently presenting a communication delay.  Hope that helps.  Good luck!
    Daisypath Anniversary tickers Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers
    Report Reply
  • robynlesleyrobynlesley member

    Good luck tomorrow!

    My DS was evaluated at a similar age and with a similar history (though perhaps a few more words). I was so anxious about the evaluation but it wasn't bad.

    The one thing I'll say is that the evaluators cannot engage your child and need to be as objective as possible. So while they'll play with her and will interact, it won't be the same as when (hopefully) she gets services.  So just keep that in mind.


    image

    Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013

    image


    To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
    image
    Report Reply
  • abs05abs05 member
    Thanks again for the advice!  We had our evaluation yesterday and it was amazing.  I'm so glad I called EI.  We do have an expressive speech delay (3 months), but since she is ahead on receptive she won't qualify for services at this time.  The ST did give me some tips and excercises we can do and was a great source of information for me.  We'll give it a few more months and then pursue private speech therapy if we don't see any progress by Christmas.
    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"