Ronan had his annual early intervention eval today. They assessed him in 5 different developmental areas. In his case, his underlying diagnosis automatically qualifies him for services, but they still have to test him to see the amount and type of services. These things are always a little -- um, unnerving. They assess in a 1-2 hour span what hes capable of and then give him a number that tells you where he is among other kids. They show you a bell curve and where normal and delayed fall. Its hard to quietly watch them coaxing him to do things hes not interested in...or maybe he doesnt feel like doing -- or cant do, and then have to explain very calmly/convincingly/non-defensively -- no - he actually CAN do that --hes just tired/bored/uninterested or he cant b/c youre putting it on his ride side and he cant see it, or he cant b/c he has no finger function YET -- but I did my best. I try not to get too worked up about these things b/c they dont really matter. Hes still Ronan and we will still treat him like a normal kid. In any case, they were explaining that a score of 85 and above is normal and below that 85 qualifies children for services and is officially defined as delayed. Long story short, other than his gross motor (which was very delayed - so far, and they only score based on bi-manual activities) he was either within firing range of typical/normal -- mostly in the high 70s or low 80s. AND, THEE best news -- for speech, hes actually one point, but a big ONE point, above normal at 86!!! How awesome is that?? I made her stop -- I said, wait, wait, wait... are you telling me that for his speech, hes actually (air quotes) normal?!?!? and she said, yes, on the lower end, but yes he is! And, I did a little happy dance. So, for now well stop working with an SLP and get a special instructor involved. We really liked our SLP, so thats a bummer, but it feels good to feel like weve fully checked that box -- and can convincingly say that he will communicate -- and quite well!! He, of course, has a lot of things to work on... but the kid is in some ways is one yr old. His first year of life was a cloud of seizures, meds and hospitalizations. SO, I say woohoo! Not bad, little Ronan. And, you better get ready little fella, cause weve got some work to do!! I often forget just how much he has to overcome to do things -- a significant vision issue, a very weak right side, for all intents & purposes only one working hand. So, the areas where he did score low (aside from gross motor) - we have to wonder what part of that is b/c he gets frustrated and gives up, b/c he cant get his body to do what he wants it to? So, our new plan will include a teacher to help him persist with more advanced play (puzzles, shape sorters, etc.) and figuring out how to help him compensate for having only one strong arm. And a return to clinical OT -- with our friends -- you know who you are, and you better get ready, b/c little Ro ro is giving (fisted - but hey) high fives with rightie!
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 22:10:59 +0000
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