Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Intervention - NOT the TV Show!

Yesterday I took T for her "Early Intervention" Screening. I know many people have mixed thoughts on "Early Intervention". Some people feel there is a stigma involved with getting a child extra help ("Will my child be labeled 'behind' forever?"). However, I feel that every child should be given every chance possible to enter their school/formidable years with every possible advantage.

This is especially the case with International adoption. In T's case, she came home to the US at 2 1/2 years old. The social worker I met with before court (who was great and I really liked her) told me that in their estimation, T was "5 Levels Developmentally Delayed". Didn't surprise me -- she was living in an institution.

So while it took me a while to figure out where to call - I finally tracked down the Early Intervention folks in my county. They were great on the phone and we scheduled T's screening. I honestly thought she'd likely qualify in 4 or 5 of the categories - specifically language and some motor skills. I mean she's only been home 2 months.

WRONG!! My little sweetie only qualified in ONE category and I had to laugh when they told me what it was. She qualifies for some therapy in "Coping with Others" skills - because when they asked me if she "defends herself if another child wants to take a toy away from her" the answer was no. She's not used to that -- she's used to having to share. Everything in her life was shared. So the plan is to start her in a playgroup to help develop these skills.

I really liked the staff at the "Early On" building. They were great. Very nice and very helpful. They were shocked that T has only been home 2 months and how much language she's already grasped. T's case worker even said "she's more advanced than most 2 year olds in language development". WHAT? 5 Levels Delayed? Riiiiiiiiggggghhhhht.

So note to future adoptive parents: don't be alarmed by small delays -- most of these kids flourish when they get home.

13 comments:

Glen Scotia said...

What good news!

Jeanette said...

Wonderful report!!! Good job, Mom!

Over-Caffeinated said...

I want you to know that you have an exceptional daughter on your hands. In fact, my experience with PI kids is NOT that they will share. True, everything was shared, but most kids will scratch your eyes out if you come near their toys because it's survival of the fittest, so you not only have a smart little angel, she is also apparently generous and mild tempered. Congratulations! :)

Angela Knight said...

What a sweety-poo!

Troy and Rachel said...

That's fantastic and too funny about her one qualification. Daniel did the same thing at first, never fighting back etc., until he saw others and then he started too. We still work on sharing but he's got the jist now! These kids ARE smart!! I'm glad T is doing so well!!

Nancy said...

That's great!

findingourdaughter said...

Way to Go Tonya!!
So she shares her toys too easily...oh, my---what a tragedy! No one ever said that about my boys, LOL! And I wish they would at least share something, sometimes.
She's a cute little sweetie pie! That's all!

Heather said...

Way to go T! You sound like such a proud mama Amy, and you should be!

Roger and Joanne said...

That's wonderful news. Especially to a soon-to-be-mom who is over analyzing everything and so afraid their children won't be able to make those great changes as T has done so effortlessly.

No speech therapy? You must feel great!

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news. It is so surprising how quickly they catch up. Most people would never believe it until they see it!!!

You must be a very proud mom!!!

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

Isn't that incredible. Your story is amazing...and you are so blessed by this little girl..she was meant to be yours!

Kristine

Clarese said...

That is amazing, Amy! It is truly wonderful what love and care can do for a child. One thing, though - how dare you post an entry with NOT A SINGLE PICTURE???? I'll let it slide this time, but you had better get to posting some new pictures of T for us!

jennyjohnson said...

Good for you, Amy (and good for your little sweetie, too). Proactive and well informed parents are the best - trust me! I'm sure little T will sail past the other kids when it's time for kindergarten. I'd love to meet your little lady, we should plan a get together.

Jenny