Early Intervention - Part 1: Screening

(From the program's web site) Screening serves as a way of uncovering developmental delays or problems and determining probable eligibility for Early Intervention. The Early Intervention program may perform a screening, using a developmental screening tool when referral information is not specific enough to indicate probable eligibility. Screening does not determine eligibility for Early Intervention services. Eligibility is established through further testing called Evaluation and Assessment.

This morning Aaron and Brady had their Early Intervention screening. It was an opportunity for Brian and I to find out about the program while our "screener", Julie, gathered some information. We all sat in the living room and the kids played while the grown-ups (attempted to) talk.

Alaina was fascinated with Julie and sat near her on the couch throughout the visit. Several times she answered questions Julie asked of the boys, which was fine because it was clear Aaron and Brady had no intention of speaking for themselves (hence, the need for the appointment in the first place). Aaron and Brady were also quite interested, though; Brady more so than Aaron. Brady spent most of the visit sitting directly next to Julie (or on her) or bringing her things to look at. He was particularly smitten with her painted toenails.

All said and done: she said they will most definitely qualify for the services Early Intervention offers. While today was not a full evaluation and assessment -- that has been scheduled for August 13th -- she saw enough to say that both Aaron and Brady have a significant speech delay; they are both around the 12-15 month mark at this point. She was also quite sure that this is most likely the result of their practically constant ear infections in the first year of life. They were delayed so much that year, that they are still playing catch up. She had no doubt that they will catch up with no problem, but we will all work together to hopefully speed up that progression and eliminate some of the MASSIVE frustrations on everyone's part in the mean time.

Early Intervention also offers play groups. DROP OFF play groups. This is HUGE for us. We have long felt that their speech could be improved by spending more quality time a) away from us in a "structured" environment and b) away from each other. But we haven't been able to financially swing -- nor do I necessarily love the idea of -- part-time day care simply for the point of socializing at this age. With E.I., Brian can drop off Aaron and Brady and watch them from the observation room. As they get used to being there, he can drop them off and go do something else with Brett AND the boys can spend some time in different groups, apart from each other.

While no parent wants to hear that their child is "delayed", we were both very happy with how today's visit went. My worst fear going into today was that we were going to be told "yes, they are behind, but not enough for us to help them". I'm glad that they -- and we -- are going to get some help working through this frustrating time. And the fact that we get play group time out of it is a huge, huge bonus.