Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I don’t know how child find works in your area, I assume it’s a birth-3 program at this age. I’d definitely start there but would also be looking for private providers as well if you have the means to do so.
Here’s the basic breakdown I follow for EI:
Contact birth-3
Contact insurance (they may not cover anything now but will help for you to know what info they need to get services covered). Ask about pre-diagnosis vs diagnosis, some cover pre-diagnosis at this age if behavioral concerns are inhibiting ability to be formally assessed using standard measurements.
Schedule pediatrician to rule out medical issues like hearing, vision, etc. and get possible pre-diagnosis.
Schedule developmental pediatrician for later date /possible diagnosis once you have assessments completed
Look into EIBI program- get behavioral assessment and ABLLS-R- birth-3 May or May not help with this. ABLLS-R should be updated at least every 6 months.
Schedule OT, PT, SLP assessments- birth-3 May or May not help with this. PPVT and EVT are great speech assessments to get and update yearly.
Contact public school regarding IEP at age 3 (even if homeschool you may still be able to use it for SLP, OT, etc). Easiest time to get IEP is 3rd birthday. If you anticipate needing extensive services hire a lawyer and advocate. If you just need speech you should be fine/birth-3 should be able to assist.
I think a nutritionist and allergist can be useful as well to help rule out additional medical concerns.
Keep immaculate records, get copies of everything, make yourself a binder. Record dates, times, phone calls, print emails. Give physical copies from binder to each person on a need to know basis, much easier than requesting office A to send to office B, etc.
Thank you very much, this is super helpful!
It has been daunting to try and figure out the processes and the general overview of it all. And being exhausted (and currently sick) makes it even more overwhelming!
I am really appreciative of you outlining this all!
It’s very overwhelming at first but it does get easier once you have people helping you. The paperwork aspect never gets better, unfortunately, that’s why I mentioned keeping good records.
I’ve met 18 month olds that screamed almost all day long, couldn’t speak until age 3, and had huge issues with sleeping and eating. Through a LOT of hard work, consistency, and parents doing everything they could the progress was incredible. As they aged the gaps between them and NT peers became smaller. This type of progress takes a huge commitment at this age but change is definitely possible.
A good intensive EIBI program is worth its weight in gold. The first year will be the hardest and progress might start slow but don’t ever lose hope. Deal with the behavioral issues first, then the language, then attending, then play and social. It will all come together if you have competent people leading you.
Find a group of great professionals and listen to them. Don’t skimp on your research/interview process when finding someone, especially the BCBA. Look for home-based early intervention experience and verbal behavior experience as well as experience addressing sleeping and eating issues and parent training. If you can afford it then find a BCBA that can provide at least 15-20 of the hours themselves, especially in the beginning.
Supplement with a nanny that can be trained to help with consistency, or get someone to watch your other children so you can learn from the professional and do what’s asked when they aren’t there. Record sessions if you have to, but 1:1 sit in time for the first few months is most useful. Consistency and time will be the key to progress but you also need to act quickly and intensively at this age.
I don’t disagree with the PP about a neuropsych, and KK is great, but sometimes at this age a full neuropsych is almost useless. If behavioral concerns are most prominent issue these have to be addressed first before formal testing can take place. You don’t need a diagnosis to start a private pay EIBI program, or at least start the assessments to see if this type of program would benefit you. Get on the waiting list for KK but don’t wait to start home EIBI services. Time is very important when addressing the things you’re concerned about.
Regarding parenting classes, parent training is hugely important, but a good BCBA can cover this with you in a more individualized way than a general parenting class could. You can certainly sign up for one but might not need it if you find an experienced BCBA.
Never give up hope, people that can help you exist.
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