I was finally able to register Zac for the "waiting list" to make an appt. for his speech therapy. :roll:
From the time I inquired about the waiting period until the time I was able to get the diagnosis in perscription form faxed to them...the waiting period went up by 1-2 months. So, they will call us back w/in 3-4 months for an appt to be scheduled. :( I'm so hoping it's earlier but somethign tells me it won't be.

That has to be really frustrating to be stuck on a waiting list for ST.

Are you going through EI to get services for Zac? If so, *sometimes* if there is a shortage of STs (or any sort of therapist), they will approve short term therapy at a site that doesn't normally work with EI in order to get kids services until an EI approved ST is available.

At least, this happened a few times in NYC when we had kids waiting for therapy. It may depend on the severity of the delay and the type of therapy needed; however, if you are going this route, it might be worth it to see if you can take Zac to another (non-EI) provider in the interim.

*If you're not doing EI, just ignore this whole post*

Yes I am going through EI, i'm going to call the coordinator today and see what she has to say.

I hope you're able to work something out.

I remember a little boy (born prematurely with multiple developmental delays) needing PT and the waiting list for home-based therapy was about 4 months. He was able to come to the hospital PT clinic to get services while he was still waitlisted for home-based PT. This happened with a couple of other kids, too.

Again, not sure if this would work everywhere and I'm not sure if there are specific indications (severe delay, length of waitlist,etc.); however, it never hurts to ask. :-)

I left a message w/the Service Coordinator so she should get back w/me today. According to his paperwork, they have him with a 50% expressive communication delay. I have no idea what that falls under.

Hi

This stinks...so frustrating!!
I hope you can work with EI to come up with another game plan to get therapy started for Zac
I know my friend (who has an autistic son) always said it's crucial to get kids help asap....
Keep us posted....fingers crossed

I left a message w/the Service Coordinator so she should get back w/me today. According to his paperwork, they have him with a 50% expressive communication delay. I have no idea what that falls under.

That is more of a moderate delay. Anything over 30% is what they qualify with.

My dd and ds both are receiving physical therapy thru EI. I was a nosy bones and asked questions (lots!) regarding the "points" and percentages.

That's exactly what happened/is happening to my nephew. He was born with a cleft lip/palate....so he did qualify for some intermediate ST. It's frustrating how long these sort of things take. :?

Let us know what you hear back from the coordinator.

I'm hoping you get in sooner Sara. When I inquired about EI for Lauren, we were able to get right in... however, we don't live in that big of a community. I wasn't really thrilled with their program, so DH and I decided to wait until we move to get her into the new county program.

I hope your able to get in sooner, Sara!

I hope you can get in sooner Sara.

I'm just dumbfounded, Sara!! I can't believe it takes so long there. For Catherine it was not only the delay in expressive speech but the tremendous gap between her receptive and expressive speech. A 2-3 month gap is normal; she had a 12 month gap. When she was evaluated at 17.5 months, her receptive language was 24 months and expressive language at only 12 months. She also scored low on several sensory-related areas and also self-help skills.

Hope you get some results. I guess we were lucky--all of sam's therapies started quickly and I had more therapy for him than I think he needed at one point! Maybe I can send some of his therapists to FL!

WOW...I think I got lucky! I've been making loads of phone calls this morning and I happened to call a place just now who has an opening for Zac starting next TUESDAY and every Tuesday from there on at 4pm!!!!
The timing is perfect and I got so lucky because they JUST had a little girl turn 3 (they dont do therapy through EI for over three) and Zac is able to fill in her place!!!! :)

That is great that you can get him in so soon. It is crazy that the expected you to wait that long. Zac is luck to have a mommy that wont take no for an answer. I hope the therapy goes well.