Making the call to EI and an an agency question

DS is 18 months old and only has maybe 5 words. Ped said it wouldn't hurt to call EI. This is what I wanted I guess but I am a little sad as I was holding out hope that he would have the word explosion everyone talks about. He is definitely making lots of new sounds and sometimes tries to repeat a word I said but...well, but I guess I have to do this.

Just got a call back from EI and now I'm crying. I don't even know why? Why does this hurt?

Anyway, my ped gave me the names of 2 agencies : Long Island Infant Development Program and Family Aides, Inc. Does anyone know anything about either?

Also, we primarily speak to our DS in Spanish although we also speak to him in English too. Can anyone recommend an agency that is very competent is doing bilingual evaluations?

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

I don't have any recommendations but don't feel badly! You are helping your DC! Did he get evaluated yet or did he qualify? The way I see it is, if they don't qualify, great! And now you know! If he does, you made the right step in finding out and you're on the track to success! Win-win!

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

oh honey. don't cry.

you are doing his such a HUGE service. you are being the BEST mom ever. even if he needs services, it doesn't mean anything bad. it means good things. it means he gets the help he needs early, before any problems arise.

it's all good. it's all good!~!!

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

First .

My SIL has two boys..both need services. Her oldest is doing amazing and is now integrating in a regular kindergarten class.. her 21month old is on his way to getting speech.... she WANTS him to get PT OT and all of it.. she said.. "why not... it can only help him.. i want to get him all the services"

I thought it was such a wonderful way of looking at it!!! There is such a stigma surrounding EI.. but realize that now that its' "labled" people hear more about it.. and now kids get what they need to thrive..years ago..they just fell behind in school..KWIM? It going to be wonderful!!! He'll be a chatter box before you know it!!!

good job mamma!!!

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

Your anxiety is completely understandable! Just remember that by taking such a proactive approach, you are doing what is best for your child.

I used to work at a preschool for children with special needs, and many of those children came in with evaluations from Bilinguals Inc.

Good luck!

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

I am an SLP. I heard that Long Island Infant closed...Family Aides is great (used to work for them) also try Bilinguals Inc since your child is bilingual. 18 months children typically have a word explosion and I don't think he would qualify with 5 words at that age but if it concerns you then you should follow through for peace of mind. FM with questions

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

Just want to add: THe word explosion typically happens between 18-24 months. My son had his at about 22 months.

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

Awww I totally understand how you feel I knew at 18 mos DS's speech was delayed, everyone said don't worry, blahblah. By 22 months I had the evaluations done and he qualified for ST, OT, and Special Instruction. I was happy he'd get the help, but sad to think my boy wasn't "perfect" so I know what you're feeling!!!

But I can honestly tell you, now in our 9th month of speech, DS's vocab is growing by LEAPS and BOUNDS!!! I am home with him and watched him like a hawk over these few months, so I just KNEW there was no cognitive delay, kwim? That gave me great peace of mind. And the past month has just BLOWN ME AWAY with the stuff he's learning - not just words but CONCEPTS, things that at 2.5 I really didn't think would be going on!!! He's basically potty training HIMSELF, ON THE TOILET (no potty in the house!) , he's counting all the way to 20 on his own (but skips 4 and 14 ) He knows every letter in the alphabet, by sight, when randomly presented with them - and I have NOT done any flashcards or drills or "work" on numbers/letters kwim??? I'm blown away by the kid's abilities, speech delay be damned. You will be too!!!! The SLP we have is a godsend (I'm in Qns though so not familiar with your agencies out there) so PLEASE know you have so many allies here, and I would not be at all surprised if the bilingual speech is the primary cause of DS's delay in your case, they say that's so common!
You really will be amaaaazed at what they can do, by 6 months I was already impressed, at 9months, I can honestly say it was the best call I've ever made regarding my son!!!

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

I agree with a pp that the word explosion usually comes more between 18 and 24 months. My DS's did.

I also totally understand your feelings. I would be upset and I am an OT! It's just you being a mommy and wanting your child to be ok. BUT, like someone else posted, if your DS doesn't qualify for services, great! If he does qualify for services, great too! He will get teh help he needs and it will be ok.

Re: Making the call to EI and an an agency question

Posted by colette

Awww I totally understand how you feel I knew at 18 mos DS's speech was delayed, everyone said don't worry, blahblah. By 22 months I had the evaluations done and he qualified for ST, OT, and Special Instruction. I was happy he'd get the help, but sad to think my boy wasn't "perfect" so I know what you're feeling!!!