Anyone Have Any Experience with Early Intervention?

Hi D.,
My son only said about 3 words, didn't even babble. I called Early Intervention when he was around 20 mos. The therapists came to the house and evaluated him. Please don't wait because it's only to age 3 and it takes a while for them to set it up. I am so happy I followed my gut that something wasn't the way it should be and called. My son was diagnosed with mild developmental delays and speech delay. He was receiving services a year (Speech, Occupational and Developmental therapies), on a weekly basis, the improvements are wonderful. He's attending Pre-K with the help of Early Intervention. Everyone told me boys are slow talkers and just to wait, I'm glad I didn't listen to them because my son got the help he needed to start talking and communicating well. He's almost 3 1/2 and he's doing great. He continues to receive speech therapy in Pre-K once a week. Good luck, Bernie

After you make contact with them, someone will call you to set up the eval. Then they come to your house, and "play" with your son, having him do different things and ask him questions to hear him talk. They also do an eval for other areas (with your permission). To your son, it will be more playing than anything. They are great! My ODS was in ST with ECI for only a few months, until he turned 3. But they also helped me get him set up with the school district, and were very helpful through that whole process. We had a very positive experience with ECI!

My daughter had speech/feeding therapy, as well as OT through our local EI. She received services in our home from 16 mos. of age until 2 1/2. The therapists we ended up with were great, however, it took a few therapists to get one's that my daughter did well with. I highly recommend this service, but I encourage you to make sure your therapist is a 'good fit' with your child, for the maximum benefits. EI is based on a sliding scale, at least in IL, we were set up on monthly payments for all therapy received, which was quite reasonable. As previous posts said, your child will most likely love the time in therapy, as its more like a playdate, but believe me they are learning ALOT! The more involved you are, the better it will benefit your child. Follow the 'homework' assigned to you by your therapist, and you will see an amazing change in your child's speech. My daughter 'graduated' out of EI services, and we still keep in touch with her ST, she's become a good friend. Good luck to you and your son!

My son had speech therapy from our local early childhood intervention organization.
I called them myself, did not have to be referred by a Pediatrician. They come to your home, do an overall developmental assessment, they explain the results to you, it is all very NON-intimidating and play based. If needed, your child receives services for free, at your home.
It is all by choice.... you can have the services or not or quit at any time. There is never any pressure. But it is FREE.

My Son LOVED his speech therapy. He was only delayed in speech and found to be even advanced in several developmental areas.
He got speech therapy from about 19 months old until almost 3 years old. Services are only until a child is 3 years old.

It really is not intimidating at all. The professionals that came to my home were really great and nice and helpful. My son really loved his Speech Therapist. And he and I learned a lot from it. Much more than a lay-person would know.

all the best,
Susan

Early intervention staff will come to your house to evaluate the child. Once this is done they will refer you to a therapist who comes to the home.

I don't, but I can tell you that my daughter was 23 months old when she started talking. She's now 27 months old and speaks in full sentences (almost as well as my sons spoke at age 3!). Sometimes it just takes a little longer.
Good luck either way.

I have a couple of other questions: Is this your only child? Do you have other children? Is everything else coming along fine? Walking, teeth, etc.? Does he make other sounds?Or only Dada and mama. Sometimes however if there are other children in the house baby doesn't need to talk, others do it for them! If you have only your son and he seems to have problems with this, then call the schools around you or check with your doctor. Sometimes it is really isn't a problem. We only think it is because we cannot fathom why they aren't talking away. However if you are worrying, this is a time when you can start asking for referrals about what to do.

Great. Please look into it. Earlier u start better off. U will be amazed at the progress little ones make. Good luck

We had an eval by ECI due to some concerns our pediatrician had about his physical dvelopment (not walking at 17mos). What I really appreciated about them was they did not just send the physical therapist out, but also the speech pathologist, the nutritionist and the OT! He got a very thorough eval and was found to be just fine. Even though they could not provide any services to us (because he didn't need them) they still followed up with us each month to ensure that we didn't fall through the cracks. We had a great experience!

It was awesome for my friend's who have had it. It really helped level the playing field when the kids began school. Plus, it prevented further problems. Everyone had a positive experience. In the case of the child with an Extreme disorder, they helped the entire family so much they recommend the program to anyone struggling and needing advice.
There is paperwork to complete(by you, your husband, the pediatrician, daycare provider), they do evaluations(in a more fun, not scary way), and they talk to you to explain the results and options.
It is an excellent program where I am from.

My daughter gets speech/feeding therapy & OT through EI in our area. They did the evaluation in our home, which was basically just watching & playing with my daughter. The therapists we have are flexible with scheduling & where they go (my daughter is at a baby sitter's a couple days a week). Our experience has been very good. Good luck!