When to contact Early Interventions?

Sarah - posted on 07/08/2010

I wouldn't wait a year often you've lost the added benefit of intervention in the event of any issues.

Erica - posted on 07/07/2010

ECI is so important in catching small things early! Ava (now 2) has only been out of the hospital for 6 months. they come see her twice a week and are picking up on problems that I thought were quirks...I would do it asap!

Sarah - posted on 07/06/2010

I would not wait! My son was 16 weeks early and we made sure we had this all lined up before leaving the hospital. We are very grateful as our county has some great intervention programs and the NICU tracks progress and milestones through their outside clinic.

Schmoopy - posted on 07/03/2010

They really hammer "early intervention" into our heads, don't they??? It's so frustrating to have that added pressure when you're already mothering a preemie.



My daughter was a 29 weeker and is now 7 years old. She's doing great, by the way. With her had her monitored by specialists along the way, but I waited for signs of a delay before enrolling in EI.



If you have a developmental concern, then by all means, schedule an eval. EI can take a while to kick into action. So go ahead and get the ball rolling if there's something you're worried about. Otherwise, you might want to wait until your baby is a year old and get an eval done then. That way you'll have an expert telling you whether or not your missing something.



In the meantime, you can do things at home with your baby to help strengthen her body. Try this DVD - it was developed by a pediatric physical therapist: http://www.babybuilders.com/

Tena - posted on 07/02/2010

I would contact then now. In Ohio we have what is called Help Me Grow they work with the preemies and children with developmental delays until age 3. They evaluated my daughter and set me up with a developmental specialist, physical therapist and occupational therapist through the county. They also helped to prepare here Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Christena was born at 33 weeks and has a few motor delays. even after working with them for a month I have seen marked improvement in her moving about.

Nancy - posted on 07/01/2010

Doesn't your child require checks with the neurologist and physical therapist?? My son was born 9 weeks early and all that was part of the hospital preemie program. I think the answer to your question depends on whether or not you know what to look for and what to expect at about what age. If it's not part of her program, I'd be proactive, so at least you know where she is on the motor skills scales, etc... then you can ask them what you should be looking for at what stage.

Judi - posted on 06/30/2010

Depending on the state you live will determine what the requirements for your child to qualify for EI. I would check with a developmental pediatrician if you have concerns. Many pediatricians do not know the requirements are and the developmental stages and will tell you to wait and see. I feel the earlier you child can get services the better off your child will be in the long run. Many states will quality your child based on the early birth while others will perform an evaluation. Best of luck to you and your child.

Lisa - posted on 06/30/2010

My girls were born at 26 weeks and have not had too many of the normal prematurity issues. If your child isn't showing any signs of being delayed they probably won't do anything until 18months (corrected age). I'm not sure if things are done the same where you are, but mine is through the school district and I have to wait until school starts again in the fall. Check with your doctor and they can get you any information that you need to get her looked at.

Nicole - posted on 06/28/2010

My son was born at 27 weeks and we started early intervintion at 6 months and the only reason we waited so long was because of his health. Contact your local health department and ask them about what is offered because they usually have services which they provide some at no charge to you. My little one is 5 now and he still is very delayed he is at about 3 to 4 years developmentally but I definaltlly see an improvement. Most early intervention programs only work with kids up to 3 years after that you will have to find a preschool that will take delayed children if your child is not caught up yet.

Lindsey - posted on 06/28/2010

There is usually a long waiting list so i would call them now. They will do an evaluation and let you know how much of a delay she has and if they think she needs their help. I have worked with them before and they try to help as many kids as they can and they like to start working with them early on to try to limit the length of the childs delays.

Julie - posted on 06/27/2010

As soon as you and your pediatrician have any concerns.

Pamela - posted on 06/27/2010

We were told we could conact anytime. But that 6 months would be a good start. So call for an appoitment today! We were fortunated ebough not ot ahhve any issues, as our Pediatrican told us but we wanted to double check and it was free to us. Not sure what state you are in but in FL if your insurance does not cover EI the state or county should.

Goos Luck.

Jessica - posted on 06/26/2010

She would have therapy at the hospital when she was there but after we left we were told to make the appointment when she was 3 months corrected age.

Kaitlyn - posted on 06/25/2010

Early intervention is very important for any child who was early to any extent. My son was 6 weeks and 2 days early and early intervention has been involved since the beginning. I'm now in many therapies and groups to help my son overcome delays i didnt know he should've hit earlier.. which NEVER would've happened if early intervention weren't around. So my advice?? Contact them A.S.A.P. Have them assess him.. what's the worst they can tell you?? He's healthy?!?! hehehe.

Kristi - posted on 06/25/2010

My son was born 11 weeks early. We started with Early Intervention as soon as he got home from the hospital. He qualified for services based on the fact that he was born under 3 lbs. So depending how big you little one was at birth they may automatically qualify. I LOVE EI. Because of their services my son is completely caught up to his actual age. I don't think it is ever to early to start with them. They are so helpful in telling you what to work on to help them develop their skills. If you wait to see if their are develomental delays are there are, you missed all this time they could have been proactively working on those skills.

Wendy - posted on 06/25/2010

Depending on where you live I would contact them now as there may be a waiting list.

Emily - posted on 06/25/2010

i was told around a year is when they can do the best work...