Early Intervention says NO

by Cheli
(Orange Park,FL)

My son is 38 months old. At 2 years 11 months I had him evaluated by Early Intervention. They said he didn't qualify for their services because he wasn't delayed. So I put the concern away for about a month and then it came back to nag.




Finally I pushed for an evaluation with the Sensory Integration Department at the local medical center. We just had that evaluation last week and they said not only does he DEFINITELY qualify but he DEFINITELY HAS SID/SPD. They did the Peabody scale with him and he was WAY behind.

But now that he is old enough for head start. They want an IEP from the school system. He doesn't get an IEP through this place.. What else can I do? Should I have him re-evaluated through Early Intervention now that he is out of the 0-3 category? I don't want to change his therapists as they see him 2 therapist to just him right now twice a week for an hour and I know Child Find won't give him that focused care but I want to try and smooth the road as much as possible for him in school and I'm overwhelmed about EVERYTHING.



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May 13, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		where to begin...
by: Anonymous

I'm not sure where to begin. I will tell you that my daughter was evaluated by early intervention and received speech, OT, and other therapies for developmental delays and behavior, then she turned three. The school evaluation showed no problem what so ever and i had to fight to get her into speech through the school, and now her speech therapist wants to boot us out. The problem is by the time i got to the school system i knew what was going on with her and how to at least work with her so she passed all their tests with flying colors even though i tried to tell them that my life centers on my childs sensory issues that effect her speech. it doesn't take much common sense to know that we are going to have major issues when she begins school. we have them now in preschool.

goodluck getting anywhere with the school system. I have spent more times than i can count trying to let them know there's a problem, i guess they will find it out when she begins school next year.
Apr 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		where to get an IEP
by: Anonymous

What you need to do next is get evaluations through your local school system--start with the head of special education, or talk to someone at the local school who works in special ed and ask who it is you call. The important thing now is that when you figure out the name of the person to direct your evaluation to, send her your request in writing by certified mail so you have proof of your date of request--they have a limited amount of time in which to comply so this is very important.

Ask for an evaluation for OT, motor planning (if you think that's an issue) and fine motor (many children with sensory issues are able to get OT for SPD through the schools because of fine motor/handwriting issues), PT if you think that's an issue, and speech if you think he has any language or auditory issues.

Do ask his private therapists whether they think he has delays. It's possible the EI people missed something.
Apr 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		deep breath!
by: Gigi

You are doing a great job being your child's advocate. I, too, am in Florida... I think I would head back to the SID dept for advice... I would also give Early Intervention a call for some direction. Basically knock on all doors available for input. I would also speak to your child's therapists for next steps. Hang in there

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