Our journey begins

It occurred to me that a blog might be the easiest way to update friends and family on Dominick's speech and occupational therapy, so here it is! I'll try to post at least every week.

On Friday we learned that Dominick had been found eligible for First Steps, which is Missouri's early intervention program for children up to age three. Today we had our IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) meeting. In attendance were Carol, our intake service coordinator at First Steps; Sheree, the occupational therapist who evaluated Dominick; and Brandie, our Parents as Teachers educator; and of course Mike and I. Bridget, the speech evaluator, was out of town but sent some written comments. Dominick was there too but spent most of the time quietly hiding in his play yard.

We went over the evaluations and discussed all of our concerns regarding Dominick's lack of speech, which is what prompted us to contact First Steps. Only during the eligibility process did we learn of his oral motor development and sensory integration issues. When these were brought to our attention, the signs became much more obvious to us. We had to state our goals and priorities for the treatment, which can only go until the day before Dom turns three, at which point he will transfer to the special school district if necessary. The speech and OT evaluators each recommended one session of therapy per week.

The next step is to choose therapists from the First Steps provider directory. I am working on this now, hoping to give Carol some names as early as tomorrow so that we can start services as soon as possible. I'm excited to think that we may soon be hearing some actual words from our very brilliant two-year-old.