Hi Tanya. First, I apologize for not responding to you sooner. I've been in the process of moving and haven't even opened a computer in quite a while. Normally, I check quite often...and so do other members of the group, come to think of it 
I'd check with the schools right away. Through the early on/ early intervention/ child first (called different things, depending on your area) program, schools are required to provide speech evaluations and speech therapy (as well as some other services) free to children, from birth on. If you call your schools special education department, tell them your concerns and they will let ya know who ya need to talk to and what ya need to do. Some schools are easier to deal with than others. I know they don't provide services if there are **minor problems, but for major delays they do. They will be able to tell you their criteria. I know all school districts are different, but my experience has been very difficult and long through the schools. If you have insurance that would cover an evaluation I would start out by scheduling a private evaluation, as well as contacting the schools and getting on the list there. The private evaluation will probably be much quicker...our school had 30 school days from the time I requested the evaluation until they had to complete it...they used all their days. They have an additional number of school days to tell you if the child is eligible and even more school days until they have to start providing services...and summer is coming up. I never realized how many days kids don't go to school until I was counting out 30 school days. Possibly they would push it to get it done this school year, but if not, the fall is a long way away.
I was pretty much exactly where you are just over a year ago...if you look through old postings I think there is one titled "IEP info" or something like that, where, at one point, I completely went off. This has been a great place where I have received help, support, a sounding board, and made friends that understand my concerns, frustrations, and the achievements we make. I agree with Ayo...don't wait. If you are concerned, get an eval done. My oldest was diagnosed with Dyspraxia, and not until he was 3...I really didn't know there was a problem for a while and kept thinking the toddler stage with talking just lasted a really long time. I kept hearing "he's a boy and will talk later" and all that too. Finally, we had the eval done and realized we had quite a bit of therapy in our future...but, at least then we were able to DO something.
Let us know what you deside to do, and how things are going. Many of us have been exactly where you are, so we are here for you with ideas based on our own experiences. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know...and good luck! |
