I knew it!
Today we had a physical therapist/evaluator come out to do some developmental testing with Talia. The purpose of the visit was to see if she qualifies for an "early intervention" program to help her with her gross motor skills. (Nope, we're still not walking at 17 months.) The short answer is, no, she doesn't qualify according to the standardized testing, although the evaluator said she would put in a recommendation for the case to be reviewed by hand as she feels Talia's gross motor delay is significantly out of line with her overall development.
The test covered 5 basic areas of development. In 3 1/2 areas she was in the "normal" range, slightly above average (the 1/2 was her fine motor skills which were at about 68th percentile). In verbal skills she tested in at the 99th percentile! But in gross motor skills she tested the direct opposite (1st percentile). :) The reason she did not qualify for this particular program was that the fine motor skills, considered alongside the gross motor as a whole in the scoring, brought the overall deviation into an acceptable range.
The PT did suggest that it is very possible that her "stall" in the gross motor skills is linked to her history of ear infections since balance is directly related to the inner ear. Her early gross motor skills (rolling, sitting unsupported) were on-target, but around 5-6 months we began to see a delay. This is about the time we started dealing with the onslaught of ear infections that ultimately lead to her recent "tubes" surgery. The therapist specifically observed that many other reasons for delay in walking are not present in Talia's case (sensory disorders, fear, physical developmental issues, etc.) It appeared to her that Talia is truly just a "late learner" and not hindered by any external motivating factor. So it makes sense that if her balance was "thrown off" and shaky as she should have been learning some of those more advanced movements (sitting unassisted, crawling, pulling up, side-stepping, walking) she would not learn those things as quickly.
Our next step is to report to the pediatrician and see what he wants us to do. We have the option to wait the month that it will take for our case to be reviewed by this program. We can also look into physical therapy through our insurance benefits. We may choose to just wait a little longer and see if, as she gets a little farther out from the placement of her tubes, she just picks up the skills on her own.
At any rate, it is nice to "officially" know that she is otherwise a normal, healthy, even exceptional little lady. What mama doesn't want to hear that!?
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7 comments:
If it makes you feel better Eliannah didn't start walking until 18 months but once she did she was walking, running and potty trained within a month. I got so sick of carrying her everywhere I decided for a week I was going to only hold one of her hands for balance as she walked and to make her walk from the house to the car every time we went somewhere and to otherwise not do anything to "push her". As a family we celebrated her every attempt with huge cheers and threw her a big party when she finally walked across the room. Talia will figure it out soon enough and you will feel like you lost your baby overnight and some independent big girl has taken her place!
yeah, we all knew it
and that makes alot of sense...ears!
I'm glad to hear about Jacqui's little girl's progress. That's neat and encouraging. And I agree with Ruth. That makes total sense about the ears. I'll keep praying. Did you know that Talia's gross motor skills are on my prayer card for you?
Becky, really? Thanks. Wow. That makes me smile :)
Jacquie, that is encouraging! Maybe I'll be potty training Benj and Talia at the same time. :) Also, I tried the walking holding only one hand thing today and she can do it! Too bad she got mad about it halfway to the car and threw herself down on the ground, screeching. :)
Oh, I forgot to mention that part. Eliannah pitched fits too ... I'm just more stubborn than she is! Good luck!
Yes, I've found out just how stubborn I am since having children :)
Am grateful for the encouraging comments of your friends, Kiersten. They mean a lot! You are a great mother, and Talia's growth and development are not a reflection on you, except all the ways she excels; in those things, she is following your example and reflecting your excellent teaching!
Love, Mom/ Mima
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