Is This Round #3?

The IFSP meeting for Jon's early intervention services was this afteroon. I will start with the good news. From the testing they were able to do with him, he did not show delays as extensive as Eric or Andy have. The occupational therapist was very pleased with the use of his fingers and his grasp. The teacher complimented his socialable nature. He still tries any food offered to him and eats most everything. He will touch utensils and a sippy, straw or open cup although he still has to learn how to use them independantly. These are the most possitive things I have ever heard at any of these meetings. That encourages me.

Unfortunately, he still has delays and qualifies for therapy. Basically, the reports from both the OT and the EC teacher are saying that he tested in the 11-14 month age range across the board. That is about a half of a year delay.After dealing with these evaluations and reports for the last 5 plus years I know not to freak out about the numbers. They appear so much worse on paper than they really are many times. There were some tests that they could not finsish with him because he had absolutely NO interest in the toys they brought. Not that I blame him, it was pretty boring stuff. Jon is a very active baby. He does not like to sit for long. This was a problem during the OT eval. We had to strap him into his booster seat with his tray on (without food) and he was not happy about that! He will be recieving educational and occupational therapy services twice a month in home starting next month. We will be working on improving his use of cups and utensils, strengthening (mostly his trunk and upper body muscles), getting him to sit to attend to activities for a little longer, using a crayon to scribble, shape sorters and puzzles, stacking and turn taking games and respone. He may also have a speech eval because of concerns about him having less than 10 words and him pocketing food in his mouth. We shall see what comes of that.

While this was far from the worst news I have heard, I am still a little sad and worried. Obviously I would have rather that none of this was necessary. Andy really started slipping at about 16 months. Jon is now 19 months. I can't let go of the thought of this happening again. If it does at least I know the ropes and what to do. It's not like it is new. Sometimes I wish that at least one of my kids would pick up these things without so much difficulty. While it stinks sometimes I have learned not to take much of anything for granted. It is in God's hands. He will watch over us.