https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:22:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation/page/2#post-1801395 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:12:11 +0000 Mrs. Juice 1801395@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our daughter started speech therapy through EI at around 18 months. I was also hesitant to get the eval at first, but after having done it we had a really positive experience. The first therapist we had wasn't a good match, but our daughter ended up really liking the second one and her speech definitely improved through the sessions. Also they come to your house which makes it easy when you have little ones! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation/page/2#post-1801313 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:50:32 +0000 Mrs. Blue 1801313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: I think many people would find that very interesting, especially if it included some general tips for helping your children's language development. Do it!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation/page/2#post-1801217 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:14:17 +0000 MommySLP 1801217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: it's something I may consider :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation/page/2#post-1801083 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:25:46 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1801083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: yes, thats helpful! Thank you :) </p> <p>I think a guest blog post from a speech therapist would be awesome ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800976 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:44:00 +0000 Adira 1800976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: haha, okay! He does most of the other things on your list, so I feel like he's probably okay! Thanks for your insight! :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800899 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:26:29 +0000 MommySLP 1800899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: I had hesitated posting that list because I don't want to worry people---keep in mind there is a large range of normal development! If he has 10 words and is using them as well as 1-2 other items on the list, I wouldn't worry right now. My daughter made huge gains right around 18 months, so you may be surprised! It is definitely up to every parents discretion--you know your child the best! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800839 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:00:23 +0000 Adira 1800839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: Wow! 20-50 words at 18 months??? Now you've got me worried that Xander is delayed, although I didn't ever think he was! He only has maybe 10 words that he uses consistently at 17 months and I can't imagine him gaining another 10+ in less than a month... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800746 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 10:24:39 +0000 MommySLP 1800746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: the list is just a guideline I use, but like I said to qualify for EI, sometimes you have to be significantly delayed, it really depends on your state guidelines. However, if my child weren't doing most of the things on the list, I would call. I always err on the side of services. The great thing about EI is you get them in so early, many are caught up quickly. </p> <p>As far as adjusted age (unless it's very significant) it's something I would take into consideration but it wouldn't be my deciding factor.</p> <p>I hope this helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800490 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:48:41 +0000 Mrs. Lion 1800490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: yikes....my lo isn't doing a lot of those things. I have been putting the evaluation off, but i might go ahead and call...</p> <p>I do have a question though. Would you use a child's adjusted age or actual age when determining if they are behind? Lo was 5 weeks early....does that matter at this point? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800474 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 08:44:49 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 1800474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always err on the side of services. Our younger daughter had mild speech delays (expressive) and I pushed our pediatrician for a referral. Ultimately she had a language explosion before we could get in and is on track but I wasn't going to take a chance. The earlier the assessment and intervention, the better... Even if they just reassure you and tell you the boys are perfectly on track! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800325 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:02:58 +0000 looch 1800325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: My honest opinon, having a son with a diagnosed delay, is not to wait. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800294 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 01:39:05 +0000 Boogs 1800294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: So all of those things could mean a "normal" delay. Still for peace of mind maybe just schedule an evaluation? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800287 Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:22:38 +0000 birdofafeather 1800287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: thanks for that list! great guidelines and i was just adding up LO's words and i was pretty surprised to see that it's over 20! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800253 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 22:20:06 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 1800253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: thanks :) </p> <p>@Mrs. Blue: I guess I changed my mine...call now since it can take awhile and you'll at least have an expert opinion! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800221 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:39:04 +0000 Mrs. Blue 1800221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boogs: He said that he did feel there was a delay, but didn't opine on wether it was an expected or "normal" delay. The only thing he said was that it could be because boys sometimes develop language later or that they had several rounds of ear infections and might not have been hearing that well for a couple of months. I think his opinion was to give it until 18 months to see if something like that was just making them late in that area. He didn't mention the twin thing, though I've read that before. They really don't jabber to each other, but I'm sure they have some type of communication. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800204 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 21:20:16 +0000 MommySLP 1800204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: I don't think waiting until a bit closer to 18 months would be a bad thing, since it's really not that far away. Keep in mind though that it may take a while for all the paperwork, parent interview, and then finally the evaluation to take place. I hope you find it to be a smooth and rewarding process!<br /> @Mrs Green Grass: I have to say for how premature your son was, 20+ words is a really great thing! At this age, I rely a lot on parent interview, so count all the words he has said, even if they aren't always used. Also, count animal sounds and any signs. There is such a huge range of "typical." Also, he may mimic a SLP because it's our job to get them to do that! Of course I can't say for sure without seeing your little guy, but it sounds like he's making some good progress considering everything---it's definitely worth keeping an eye on though. Not every kid is going to do everything on the list I wrote, it's just a guideline I use. I always recommend calling if you have any doubts because the worse thing that could happen is they won't qualify and you may still learn a few tricks from evaluators. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800166 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:47:28 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 1800166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: I'm going to ask here since it might be helpful for others...<br /> My 18 month (adjusted) son has 20+ words, but only used a handful.<br /> He follows directions, points to things, identifies people, and has lots of consonant sounds.<br /> But he doesn't really identify any body parts.<br /> He had never mimicked..<br /> And he doesn't say no, just pushes things away or ignores.</p> <p>How would you look at that? (We already see a high risk follow up clinic, I'm just curious because there are so many variable and I find it confusing!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800138 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:31:14 +0000 Boogs 1800138@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious, does your ped feel like it was normal? I'm just asking because I feel like I've heard that it is common for twins to be delayed in speech, but they end up catching up without a problem. Either way, it doesn't hurt to ask to have them evaluated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800093 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:58:08 +0000 bunnylovesbear 1800093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It can't hurt to have an evaluation done. I've requested an evaluation for my son, and while he's 2 yrs old now and made a lot of progress since we were initially concerned, I'm still planning to go ahead with the eval. He has loads of words, but he's not really combining words yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800091 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:57:53 +0000 Mrs. Blue 1800091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@delight: @MommySLP: this is very helpful! Thank you. Granted, they have another month until they're 18 months and anything could happen,, but even Finn, who is further along in language development is hitting only one or maybe two things on your list. If it was only that they didn't have the actual words, I don't think I'd be concerned and chalk it up to late talkers, but they don't point to things really, never point to something in a book when asked, don't point to family members to identify them,, don't say no or shake head. I'll have to listen carefully for how many consonants they have. I know they say d, m, and maybe b. Anyway, this gives me some idea of what to watch for. I think I'll contact them, but I'm wandering if it's better to wait until they would be evaluated as 18 month olds, where I'm fairly certain they would be considered sufficiently delayed. Regardless, I really appreciate you guys weighing in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800065 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:39:41 +0000 delight 1800065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MommySLP: :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800063 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:38:14 +0000 MommySLP 1800063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@delight: I think we were typing at the same time! Definitely agree with the late talkers part! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800061 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:37:09 +0000 MommySLP 1800061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: coming for a speech therapist standpoint, I would call and set up an appointment. Of course I can't say if your boys would qualify or not, but it's something to look into. Some states require a child to be delayed by even up to 50% in more than one area. It will really depend on your assessment team. Also, there are definitely just "late talkers," but unfortunately so many are told this and then I end up seeing them at 3 and they still are almost non-verbal or highly unintelligible. I don't think that would happen by any means, but parents should never feel bad about calling for an assessment. If nothing else, the team will give you some good ideas for home.<br /> Anyways, at 18 months, this is what I would be looking for:<br /> -uses 20-50 words (but don't have to be completely intelligible)<br /> -tries to copy/mimic your sounds<br /> -understands simple directions (get your ball)<br /> -uses at least 4 consonant sounds (p,b,m,d,t,h)<br /> -identifies things in books (where is the baby?)<br /> -points to 3 body parts<br /> -says "no" or shakes head<br /> -points/identifies familiar people</p> <p>Hope this helps you out a bit. Of course all kids develop at different times/ways, but this is a guide I would use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800056 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:32:08 +0000 delight 1800056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blue: As a speech therapist, I always tell parents to have their child evaluated if they have any concerns. I wouldn't worry about sounding over zealous! Without an evaluation it's hard to determine whether the boys are just "late talkers" like many kids are, or if they are language delayed. It's wonderful that they seem to be having a language burst and likely you'll just keep hearing more and more words out of them! Even if the SLP doesn't see a need for treatment at this time, they would likely give you lots of resources to help elicit more language at this time. If you want some handouts or ideas right now, feel free to wall me and I can give you some information.<br /> @edelweiss: "uh-oh" certainly counts as a word! Animal sounds do too. Often our kids have more words than we think they do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1800047 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:22:34 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1800047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I say no harm no foul in calling and having them check out. I feel like these issues work out better the sooner they are addressed. If not EI, many kids speech language pathologists will do a free assessment (with the hope of gaining your business out of it). The worst they could say is "no they are great" which honestly isn't necessarily the case and even if they squeak by, I bet the ppl who come will have a bevy of advice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1799947 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:07:23 +0000 edelweiss 1799947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i also struggled with this decision. at 15 months, my LO was making the sounds for about 3 words--and one of them was uh-oh (not sure that even counts). at his recent 18-month appointment, he hadn't made too much improvement in spoken language but...my gut was telling me not to make the appointment. i know i could be wrong, but i am not concerned about his development overall and for me, the scheduling of appointments and extra homework of EI would stress me out. i'm fairly confident that he will be all caught up and on track within the next 6 months. if i still feel like he's behind by his 2-year checkup, i'll make the appointment then. </p> <p>this is uncharacteristic of me as i'm usually overprepared and overzealous, but on this issue, for some reason i want to take it easy. it's kind of a personal choice. i do not feel like i'm doing wrong by my LO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1799935 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:55:00 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1799935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>An EI appointment can't do anything but good! either you'll get great news that there right on track or you will know that you're getting them the help that they need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1799930 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:52:23 +0000 cyan 1799930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ChiCalGoBee: each state SHOULD provide services, it is so important to catch things early. Sadly, though, that's not the case. Just don't want the original poster to be in for a (possible) surprise when it comes to footing the bill. :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1799929 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:51:44 +0000 pinkb 1799929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They sound like they are on track to me, but it never hurts to call! LO is in EI for speech, I got her evaluated before she hit 18 months and I think it almost hurt us that I didnt wait because they graded her at a 16 month level even though she was only a few days shy of 18 months. She had only 1 word at the time so I knew she was delayed, but it is weird how they evaluate them. They do a little over the phone interview and another interview in person with just asking me questions before they even do the evaluation, and at both they let me know she was on the cusp so an evaluation would be good. She ranked really high in receptive and average for expressive, she only qualified because she didnt use her spoon/ fork all the time or correctly or use an open cup. Never hurts to call and see, it might be the only way to help the mamma worry.</p> <p>ETA Even if a child doesnt qualify everyone that I have dealt with at EI want to help. They said even if she didnt qualify they would help give us the tools to help LO on our own and we could ask as many questions as we wanted, one lady even said we could call her if we had more questions. Not sure about everywhere but our experience has been fantastic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-get-an-ei-evaluation-in-this-situation#post-1799924 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:48:03 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 1799924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cyan: interesting. All four I've lived in provide them so I hadn't heard otherwise.. </p>