Well...I must say, that wasn't so bad after all.
We had Dylan's 6 month evaluation with Early Intervention last week and then the IFSP meeting this morning. During the evaluation, I explained to the team that Dave and I were most interested in hearing about how Dylan is doing with his current goals and where we want to go from here. I said that we do not feel it is necessary to hear at what age his functioning abilities are at in comparison with a "typical" baby. It's not that we are in denial about it, but rather we feel it is best for us to focus on the positive aspects of Dylan's efforts. We want to compare Dylan with Dylan. That's it. And in doing that, we were able to celebrate the fact that Dylan has reached each and every goal that was set for him back in July!
So, he did quite well with the evaluation. Of course it's one of those things where when they want to see if he'll reach for an object they will try it once. If he doesn't do it, then apparently he hasn't yet mastered that skill...even though in reality he does it all day long for us!! Ah well...
The results showed that Dylan's strengths are definitely his social and emotional skills (no surprise there!). His highest needs are gross and fine motor. Because of this result and because of the way that I've been feeling lately about his low tone, I asked if we could bring in a PT in addition to the OT that he currently receives. They hesitantly agreed saying that they really didn't want to overwhelm us with too many services. While I do understand what they are saying, I feel strongly that it is at least worth a try. If it helps Dylan in any way, I am game.
At this point his Early Intervention schedule includes OT and PT each once a week. His nurse will come twice a month as will our Family Therapist.
Now...let's just hope all of this Early Intervention stuff helps out our little guy, eh?!
17 comments:
Wow! How great that they so easily agreed to adding PT for your social little guy! I think he will really benefit from the extra therapy...can't wait to hear how it goes!
I'm so glad they agreed to PT! At times we feel overwhelmed, but we aren't going to not do it ... our kids need it. And if it really gets to ya, just take a week off! :) That's what I do! LOL
Maybe I am a skeptic, but sounds to me like they are using the excuse of "overwhelming YOU" because they weren't already all over D having PT. Honestly, I am surprised they didn't set him up with PT already without your needing to ask. In my experience (in CT, VT and MD) PT usually comes first and then OT. But I am no expert. I think our kids should get both from the get-go. Glad they agreed anyhow.
I think Dylan will be doing getting stronger and accomplishing more very soon. He's still so young! :)
Well done Dylan!!!.
Laurie, you and Dave did exactly what you had to do for your son at his evaluation and meeting, GREAT job!!!.
I feel the monthly schedule for Dylan is a GOOD one :). I’m pretty optimistic that this plan will certainly help your little hero ~
One of the most frustrating things is knowing that your child can do something, yet them getting graded as not being able to do it because they are stubborn and wont do it when the person evaluating them wants them to do it (anyway stubborn is the word for us).. I just like to remind myself that my child can do things... And they arent a puppet or dog and dont perform on command.
How smart of you to get rid of the "age" assessment. Next time I am going to as our therapist to hide the paper from me because I could read it while she was doing the evaluation. ;)
And I hate when the little stinkers won't show off their skills. Our therapist will note "per parent report" but I still feel like they think you are exaggerating!
This is great news! Yay Dylan!! An even bigger yay to Mom and Dad for your stating how you wanted the meeting to go. You're an inspiration and I'm going to try to get up the nerve to do the same!!!
WTG Mom, Dad, and Dylan!
I just left an award for you on my blog.
Glad it went well and you got some PT help too!
Oh my gosh, how do all our our kids not automatically get PT? I hope it helps you a lot!!!!
B was evaluated for OT but didn't qualify. I'm okay with that b/c right now his eating seems to be going okay, and I think that is the main area OT works with at this age.
Sigh. I know this DS stuff sucks at times, but you're doing GREAT! :)
That is such good news! And I must say... social skills are SOOO important for our kids so that is awesome that he is doing so well with them!! I just love how they never want to perform while others are watching, so funny! I am excited to get updates on how PT goes once you get started!! Personally, I look forward to it sooo much, it just gets me all inspired and pumped up! I hope you guys enjoy it as well!!
I left you an award on my blog.
That's great they were willing to let Dylan go ahead and have PT.
woohoo Dylan. I'm glad they agreed to a PT. Keep up the great work Dylan and mom.
I just found your blog through another D's blog and your little Dylan is beautiful!!!!!!!! I am 38 and bave birth to a little boy with Down syndrome on July 29th so our little guys are close in age. I hope you don't mind if I follow your blog, your welcome to follow ours as well.
So glad Dylan will be getting PT! Even though it might be overwhelming to have all of these therapies and have your week planned out and around all of the dif. appts (even if they come to your house) - it is so worth it (it has to be!!!) I am so thankful that we are able to have such early intervention for our kids to give them the best chance to reach their full potential :)
I am so happy the eval. meeting went well for you guys!
Good for you, Laurie.
The PT is going to be a gigantic help. Evan started getting it around the same age as Dylan. You did the right thing!
Laurie, I'm so glad the meeting went well.
I'm still flabbergasted at how widely services vary from area to area. Here where I am, I am told that PT only is standard for the first several months. OT won't start until I either request it or if he has feeding issues; otherwise, standard is that OT starts around a year old. I really can't figure out why it's so different from place to place.
Anyway, good for you for being proactive. You know what's best for Dylan better than anyone else does. I'm sure this new therapy schedule will yield wonderful results!
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