Wow what an oppurtunity. I do not know what state you live in but I would
contact a very knowledgable BCBA and or Agency to ask about ABA at a
young age. The youngest I personally have seen is 18 months. It takes time
to set up ABA with the wait list etc., You may have to fight for funding. My
thought is always the earlier the better. I would start the process. Not all
ABA is the same. You have the time so now would be a great time to find
the best provider in yr area and work backwards on getting the funding.
saddyinpa wrote:
*What about getting him ABA therapy at this age? Wouldn't it be free thru EI? Or would I have to get it privately?
I recall reading that the ideal ages for intensive ABA therapy is between 2 - 5. I personally don't know anyone who started before age 2.
Edited to add: What state are you in? It's possible ABA is available through EI in your state. In my state, it's not.
Hi,
good for you that you had your DS evaluated! It does sound like your DH is in denial, mine was too for some time. But I am happy you are going ahead with the therapy. Isnt it maddening to have people, esp. close friends and family tell you there is nothing wrong with your child, he is just going at his own pace. Grr, I HATE that!
I would ask the therapist exactly what you asked in your post....* I have had to ask them about things...is it just too tough with a 1 yr old? Can I expect more from them? Would you push them and if things didn't improve, request a new therapist??
Also, ask them to put some goals on paper and how those goals will be achieved. I know one fo the goals is to have him pulling up and standing, so at least there is one goal. Ask a million questions, dont be shy, your DS is counting on you to continue to be his advocate
I am new to this and hope you can share some experiences or opinions.
My 12 mo old son has not yet officially been diagnosed with an ASD but we are in the process of working with a developmental ped on it and going thru testing, followup appt in 2 mos..etc.
At 10 mos, I contacted my states'(PA) EI program and got him evaluated by a PT and Developmental therapist. He was really behind on gross motor skills. PT determined he has low muscle tone and suggested 1x week PT...goal being for him to crawl and pull up to standing within 6 mos.
Developmentalist could not say for sure if other skills were lagging...but there are so many things now( 2 mos later) that we have determined he is delayed in.
Anyway, I was able to get a weekly OT session and weekly DV session authorized and they have all started within the last 3 weeks.
In the interim, I waiver between doing too much at this age or doing as much as possible... since I know anything done early will help him later. I lean towards being aggressive now... I am also trying to work with family and DH who are in denial that anything is wrong - other than 'he is just developing at his own pace'. My DH and I have had many heart to heart talks, and he agrees that therapy can only help.. he just doesn't want to admit that his son is possibly autistic.
Here is what I need help with:
*I am fine with PT( who is great), but what should or could the OT and DV be doing with him right now?
*OT and DV seem to just sit and play with him on the floor...more watching me playing with him. They are not telling me what goals we would have for him or really offering too many suggestions.
* I have had to ask them about things...is it just too tough with a 1 yr old? Can I expect more from them? Would you push them and if things didn't improve, request a new therapist??
*Would you try getting additional therapy at this point? Can I even do that without an official diagnosis?
*What about getting him ABA therapy at this age? Wouldn't it be free thru EI? Or would I have to get it privately?
I just want to make sure he is getting something out of the therapies and that I am taking advantage of the fact that he is still so young...
thanks in advance for your help,
denise
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