Has anyone's DC received "DI" services?

I think it stands for developmental intervention but please correct me if I'm wrong because I'm trying to learn more.

DS (19 months) has been involved with EI because of a gross motor delay. I recently had them back for a speech eval and rather than them approving him for speech they gave him "DI" instead. Basically their rationale was that there are still some developmental things they want to work with him on that they believe will lead to speech and that the motor part of the speech doesn't really seem to be an issue for him. Moreso the desire.

His first session was this week. I have to say, I'm already in love with his therapist The things she accomplished with in one hour are amazing. I almost wish she could come everyday.


Anyone have experience with DI? What types of things did they help your DC with?

Re: Has anyone's DC received "DI" services?

I'm really interested to hear what they do in DI. When Sophie was first evaluated they told me not to do speech right away and to do something else - I can't remember what they called it but it was like play therapy. They said that would help her learn speech and be able to play better. I didin't do that service and just went ahead with speech but in the back of my mind I always wonder if I did the right thing.

Re: Has anyone's DC received "DI" services?

I personally have not heard of that in NY. You are in NJ right? Maybe they use different terminology there?

Re: Has anyone's DC received "DI" services?

Yes, I'm in NJ.

Meredith, what age did you start Sophie with speech?

Basically, my concerns were all over the board with him. Some were validated. Some are just typical for his age. Some have to do with his "stubborn" personality.

Anyone, it is like play therapy. The therapist actaully used that term. I was kind of blindsided (not necessarily in a bad way but I though he was going to get plain speech) by the DI thing. She told me that his motor delay may have caused everything to just be backed up a little and that the neurons is his brains that will lead to speech need to be stimulated.

She's working with him on pointing to what he wants and I've been instructed not to give him anything unless he points to it. He knows how to point. But according to the therapist I've made his life very easy where he never has to ask for anything because I usually can anticipate what he wants. So some of the therapy actuallly helps me create a better environment for him to learn how to communicate.

She also is working on him with hi and bye. Basic words and basic signs. Playing with blocks and puzzles which he's very good at but incorporating the need to listen to directions while he's playing with them.

She gives us homework every week for him. Since he receives the services at daycare she's also working with them on techniques with him so that they get him to follow the structure a little better and not just do whatever he wants. I know it's hard with a room full of toddlers but they're pretty receptive to it.

This week's homework is, like I said above, only give him things that he points to. Give him a choice and let him point to what he wants and say the name of it. If he doesn't point and just reaches, form him hand into a point. Another thing she wants us to work on is midline transfers. Meaning, making him grab something that is on his left side with his right arm. I believe she said the purpose is to get his left side and right side of his brain to work together.

She did so much with him on Wednesday. She saw his very strong will. She told me she's playing bad cop right now with some of the obsessive behavior and eventually we'll work them into the home.

Re: Has anyone's DC received "DI" services?

Is it like "special instruction (SI)" That is a special education teacher.