When to stop Early Intervention?

I am thinking of stopping Early Intervention. It's been a great resource for us! Our ds went from 0 words to being ahead of his age level. I actually think they might suggest he stop at the next evaluation. I've learned so many activities and teaching techniques. That being said, it's getting very repetitive. We do the same things every week and with three kids, it's very difficult to have the therapist come to our home and only see our ds. The baby is always awake and our dd likes to be involved too. I end up running around, disrupting the therapy while trying to take care of everyone. How do people do this with other children in the house?? She doesn't mind our daughter being involved, but I also have a baby to take care of. The hour has become a source of stress and I'm just not sure it's worth it anymore. What would you do?

 

I can understand this. If you truly don't feel he needs it anymore, and it's more trouble than it's worth, I think you've answered your own question. But make sure you really don't feel he needs it anymore. We've been receiving EI since around 18 months for Jade and she was just tested for the preschool transition and came out in the 80-something percentile on both expressive and receptive language. But even though she so well on the standardized tests, I definitely feel like she needs it.

However it can be a disruption to be sure, and for us it's only the two of them and most of the therapists have been great about involving Melissa as well. Add a baby into the mix and I don't see how we could handle it. Still, I think Jade does still need it, so I'd work it out. But if you think he doesn't, I think you can feel okay about stopping.

I totally agree about learning so much from having been through EI. Good job in getting the services in the first place!!

 

Ainsley actually did not qualify for services anymore after the last eval, she no longer has a 25% delay in gross motor skills. However, because she has a qualifying diagnosis (congenital hypothyroidism) they gave us the option of keeping her in the program, but only coming out once a month to check on her and give me some pointers. That way, if she does need services again, I don't have to call and get her set up again. Maybe that is something you can do? I would wait until the next eval and discuss with the therapist. I know how you feel, I was starting to feel like it was getting to be more of a bother than a help. Bea gets really jealous sometimes, but the therapist is pretty good about making her feel included.

 

I am an SLP and used to work in EI. I would say wait until the re-eval to be sure. Might as well take all you can get. As EI therapists coming into the home, we knew we had to be flexible/creative when including siblings. I'm sure your therapist understands.