Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 2/11/2011

Question
Hi Valerie,
I wrote to you about a month ago with a few concerns in my sons development. I'll try to give you a quick recap of his issues. After completing the mchat we were referred to early intervention for a screening because my son was not pointing and didn't exhibit imaginative play. After the screening,  my sons results were on target with the exception of expressive and receptive language. The evaluation states that my son was at an eleven month level and at the time he was 19 months. We are having an occupational therapist coming to our home now once a week, because a speech pathologist is not available at this time. I am getting very anxious and feel my son needs to be working most importantly with a speech professional. I am waiting for an appointment with a developmental pediatrician( could take months) but wanted your opinion on if you think I should seek out ABA/ verbal therapy on my own. I have an acquaintance who is a speech pathologist, and she seems to think I need to wait for a diagnosis. She was also adamant about my son having a speech therapist and not an OT. It would be great if you have an opinion on this matter, would be so helpful. I'm just so concerned about letting time pass, and want to be doing everything I possibly can for my son. Additionally, I'd like to mention that my son is now pointing a little for things he wants, and can feed his toy animals( I think that constitutes imaginative play) I'm working with him all the time and have seen some great strides. Very rewarding! Well, thanks in advance for your input. Very much appreciated!

Answer
Hi Kristin

I feel you should get started with speech right away if that is the area that he is delayed in. Another option: I can do a one time consultation with you on the phone and teach you what you need to do to be working with him to develop his language. If that is of interest to you, write me at info@valerieherskowitz.com
It would certainly be a lot less expensive than paying for speech therapy out of your own pocket. Plus you could then work with him at home everyday and be making gains on a daily basis