Experience with early intervention?

I do not remember the age of your little one. We have the "parents as teachers" program available through our public school districts. They start with their home visits before a child is born up to 3 years old. The program did go to age 5 but do to budget cuts it is only age three. The "PAT" educator came to our home once a week and observed, they would do periodic evaluations. It was with these evals that allowed my older son to get into "Early Childhood Development" program. He had alot of Sensory Processing problems he had to overcome. If you can get in with the public school system even before he starts they have his early evaluations and services were offered. Best of luck to you.

This depends quite a bit if you are talking about public school intervention or private therapy. For the first it will depend on the state you live in and for the second it will depend on your insurance. Things will vary greatly from one persons situation to another. You will need to use your mommy instincts if your little one is ready this soon after getting home for all 3 therapies or if you should start with one or two. Often the three things you listed go together and they work together on goals. There is a lot of cross over. Also be sure to see if there is a waiting list to get into some or all of them. It may be that you couldn't do all 3 right away even if you want to. One piece of advice if it is private therapy would be to work with people who specialize or have a lot of experience with adopted kids. PI kids have different reasons for some of the things they need help with and different needs with regard to attachment and bonding- especially this early on.

I am no expert in this field, however, I had Mila evaluated for OT about a week after coming home & she was at about an 8 month level (but she was 12 months). I was supposed to have PT the following week, but I got sick & had to reschedule & the next available then was 3 weeks out. When I took her for that eval, she placed at a 10 month level! the therapist told me to give it another 3 months & come back again...she felt very strongly that just being out of the orphanage & in a loving home environment w/one on one attention, that she would "catch up" on her own. So, we are just working on things at home & I see major imropvements every day. Again, I am NO expert, but my gut tells me it takes more than a few weeks for them to rebound & maybe you should give him a little more time before stressing over therapy. You've only been home a few weeks right? Maybe have him re-evaluated at the 3 month mark & see how he's doing...then if he hasn't imroved drastically just being w/you, look into the therapy sessions. Just my opinion! ;)

I recently took Alex in for evaluation for speech therapy and we were told he is not eligible. He tested advanced in gross and fine motor kills as well as cognitive abilities. Tested low/normal for speech. They said that even though it was low it still was in the normal range. This was a little over 4 months home. I am having him reevaluated at 21/2 and if he still does not qualify but we remain concerned we will pay privately at that point. Going to keep working with him myself and see if he catches up by 21/2. Some people jump right into therapy and some give it some time. No right answer....I agree....your mommy gut is the best resource you have:).

Early intervention can be a wonderful tool for your little man. What's so great about it is that the therapists come to you...in your home and in a familar environment for him (vs an outpatient clinic). They can teach you things to help catch him up and address any issues. It should be a fun, non-stressful time for everyone. They are trained specialists who may pick up on little things parents (especially 1st timers) may miss. Ask questions so that you can carry over what they do after the session ends. Any try not to worry too much--just think of it as a way to jump start things...and it sounds like he's doing great!

Ha! I am a director and a former clinician in an Early Intervention program. What do you want to know? :) I know for a fact i will get whomever I bring home evaluated, and I plan on getting every service possible through this program. :) I am a bit biased. However, b/c this therapy can happen at home or daycare, is tailored to the family, and the kid and is free in my state....I cant see why someone wouldn't want it. pm me with questions... or for my rl email to discuss... htg

Thank you all for responses. We are deciding to take the more aggressive route of going with services because my little Z will be 3 in June, and then services are over. CPSE takes over but folks are telling us that we should not let EI pass because it has more services and more benefits for kids. Halcyon - Thanks a bunch!! I am going to PM you. Mostly I am overwhelmed with information and choices and need some help with navigation through choices, as well as how much do I need to advocate vs what does state give. We live in NY and EI is free here.

I sent you an epic length PM. Sorry it took a few days to get to a computer and write it.

Thanks Halcyon, it was very informative. Sent you a couplef follow up questions back.