Saturday, January 24, 2009

Matty's speech evaluation




I had Matty re-evaluated for speech by Early Intervention. He was discharged back in September because he was doing so well. However, since then, he hasn't made much progress. Upon testing during the re-evaluation, it was determined that he does, in fact, have a 33% delay in "expressive" speech. He is age-appropriate in all other areas. Expressive speech is just that-being able to communicate/talk. His "receptive" speech, just like the other kids, is totally age appropriate. He understands sooo much, but just doesn't use his words to communicate his needs/wants. The therapist also mentioned that Matthew has an "open mouth posture" where basically his mouth stays open during play and what not. It could be a sign that he has low muscle tone in his mouth area. She also believes that Matty doesn't use his tongue well. She watched him eat a cracker, and he apparently didn't use his tongue a lot. Also, when he was "talking" in front of her, he was talking with his mouth closed............so I think the therapist is recommending one hour/week services for Matty by a speech therapist. We already have a Special Education teacher come out to the house 1hr/wk for Austin and another hour/week for Emma. Then we have a DI therapist come out to the house for Katie, who also works on speech with her............I feel it can only help them, and there is no such thing as "too much help" ! :)

6 comments:

Jac Tubre said...

Thanks for the update. We have services through EI as well for all 4. Cullen is about to be thrown out though which I guess is good, but I'm sad.

Good luck Matty!

Jac

Anonymous said...

Your mommy intuition was right yet again!! I hope Matty makes quick progress...but it might be nice for them to all qualify for therapy until they are 3 and then they get to all go to preschool for free :) I wish there was a way to qualify Owen for a service so he can go to preschool with Gavin next year....but I don't think he has any delays (which is wonderful for him but not good for my checkbook!).

The Huling Family said...

It's amazing what you learn from having preemies and dealing with with EI. I would have never thought to pay attention to a child's mouth being open during play or if they use their tongue "enough". I am grateful for EI. I don't know where we would be without them. Ann, your doing great. Your right it can only help.

Denise said...

I am glad you had him evaluated again. You are right, no such thing as too much help.

Dorinda said...

What exactly do they do in speech therapy? I am feeling like Alyssa is way behind in speech. She says a handful of words but it's mostly babble that I can't understand. Julianna speaks in complete sentences and Rachel isn't too far behind her.

Not sure what to do. The doctor said she was a bit behind at their 2-year check-up but to wait a few months and see how she is. She's added some words since then but it's still mostly babble. Is the therapy worth it? I know it can't hurt...

Hope all goes well with your kiddos and all their appts.

Anonymous said...

Definitely-- every little bit helps and can make a World of difference. Thank goodness for EI. :)