EI Appt Next Week

nikkisun54 · March 2014

...and I am terrified. Anyone know what I can expect?

I have no idea how the appt. is going to run, and DH isn't supportive of the whole thing to begin with, so I'm pretty much on my own. After much internal debate, I scheduled the appt a couple months ago after DS stopped waving and pointing. He's picked up clapping, but the other two big milestone gestures have yet to return and we still don't have any real words. He's a super interactive, smiley little guy, but the regression of these skills has had me worried (I've posted about them previously).

I get both sides of the equation pretty regularly "you should get it checked out" vs. "don't worry! he's FINE" so to ease my confusion we're going ahead with the evaluation. I have no idea what to expect and am absolutely terrified at the results.

Filling out the paperwork now. T&Ps please!

jesuisfatiguee · March 2014

While there is probably no reason to worry, I think your peace of mind after the appt will be worth the trouble. Plus, if for some reason there is something they notice, you'll be so glad you didn't wait

I haven't had an EI evaluation done for DS, so I don't really know what to expect… but I'm sending you positive thoughts and my best wishes. Good luck!

TarheelMama202 · March 2014

I decided to do the same thing, @NikkiSun54. Originally, I turned down the EI appointment, but I still felt in my gut like I should get him evaluated. So I called back and re-scheduled. We're getting the eval done on 4/16. I don't have much advice to offer, all I can say is I'm in the same boat. Hopefully we will both feel better after the eval!

brachysira · March 2014

We have not had an EI assessment but we do go to a developmental clinic because of M's preemie status. It IS scary even if you know it's better to do it. People tend to really like EI and you should definitely not be afraid to use it--it's free, probably. Even if you don't qualify now, if something changes, you can get assessed again and there's no issue. These people will check for certain skills and if your LO is enough behind in an area, you can qualify for services in that area (e.g. speech, physical therapy). They will probably come to your house and talk to you and interact with LO. It is generally tough to qualify because you have to be 25% delayed, usually, or possibly 50% delayed if it just one skill area. Right now, a lot of the milestones have a wide gap, so you don't qualify, for instance, for not walking right now, even if most babies are. You probably won't qualify for speech as long as there is babbling. It is still a little early for all babies to be pointing too. And it's usually waving OR clapping on many assessments. You are worried about the regression of skills because this is a sign of autism, perhaps. EI is not qualified to assess this, although they will tell you if they think you should have more testing. There is a quiz online that you can take if your LO is 14 months that will tell you if you should have more testing for this--you usually make an appt with a developmental pediatrician, and the wait can be months, so it makes sense to start now if EI or your pedi or the quiz says you are at risk. I think babies tend to practice skills and stop, so I wouldn't say losing these things is a big deal at this point. My baby did find pointing to be about the most exciting skill ever since it got her things, so if your baby is not interested in indicating things to you any more in any way, you could mention that at the EI assessment and/or to your doctor. A lot of older LOs have done EI, so you could post of SAHMs or Parenting for more info.

Poppy523 · March 2014

We are doing an evaluation a little closer to 15 months. DD sounds just like your LO and I don't know that she would qualify yet but if she doesn't improve she will definitely qualify for services in a couple months. I will be anxious to hear how yours goes as our LOs seem very similar. Keep us update and good luck! I think you are doing the right thing staying out in front of it!

nikkisun54 · March 2014

@Sagen thanks for your input. I think that's something that would concern me - hearing that we didn't qualify, but knowing that we are behind...so now what? Does that compute into needing to pay financially in order to still get him the assistance he would need?

I know those are questions I'm sure they could help me with if it came to that...

jenniferraborn · March 2014

Sarah had an EI eval done at 9 months and she was delayed in communication(mild), gross motor skills(moderate/severe), and social emotional development (mild). She qualified for services but we opted to continue to see our Physical therapist that we were seeing already and wait on the other issues at the moment. That decision was made based on many factors and after much thought.They basically go over the ASQ and a more detailed evaluation. They pretty much just get them to play with things and ask you questions. It is not bad at all. In our case we already knew she was delayed....the question was HOW delayed. I am glad we did it because it was informational and she has improved in all areas since then. :-) I know it is scary but it will be fine....good luck mama!
Also, she was young but I have had EI evals on foster children (they automatically do them on foster children coming into care since they are "at risk" for delays) at 18 months and 2.5 years old...they still do the same kind of thing. They basically just get the kids to "play" to show off their skills!

jenniferraborn · March 2014

Also, in our case it was going to cost as much to go through EI as to pay the insurance copay so....it is a cost share based on income and also varies by state but something to consider based on how you feel about the providers.

light52 · March 2014

EI is scary at first because it is a whole new world that most of us never thought we would be entering. However, I've found most of the therapist are great to work with and will give you pretty good advice. They will play with your child and ask you a lot of questions. If you don't qualify they will usually give you ideas on help LO catch up or point you in the direction of a different therapist. In our state EI is free and they come to your home so take advantage of it if offered. My oldest is special needs and my middle child has articulation problems so he is in speech. Therapy is our life as we are in the therapy clinic 3-4 times a week. Feel free to ask any questions.

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