Evaluation

Madison's evaluation went fine yesterday.  It really wasn't what we expected.  For one, we thought it was going to be the case manager/developmental specialist and an occupational therapist.  However, it was the case manager/developmental specialist (Melissa) and a nurse.  I really don't know why the nurse was there.  She had to weigh, measure, listen to her heart and lungs, etc.  It was really pointless, especially after she found out how healthy Madison was.  And, I thought that they were going to be watching Madison and taking notes on her, but no.  It was a series of questions and answers that they asked Jeff and me.  The questions were really strange, and it was hard to say that "yes, she does that" or "no, she doesn't do that."  A lot of what she does was in a gray area...meaning that yes, she might do that but not in the way they were expecting.  So, they didn't give her credit for it.  However, they both even said that they thought they probably should give her credit.  For her motor skills, she scored at 10 months.  And, the reason they told me is because she can't go from standing to sitting yet.  If she could do that, she would have scored much higher.  I'm guessing around 12 to 13 months.  But, they said since she just started pulling up that she will learn the sitting thing fairly fast.  She also scored at 10 months for her cognitive development.  However, they didn't believe that at all.  They thought she was fairly close to age appropriate on that, but again, it was all in the whole gray area.  They weren't concerned by it at all.  Everything else she scored right around her age or above.  So, she did qualify for the program, and she is set up for two 60 minute sessions a month.  They will be in home with lots of homework for mom and dad to help Madison with.  They really think in 3 months that she will be walking.  I think in about 2 months, so at 18 months...which is what my Mom and I have both said all along.  The therapy will be just with the developmental specialist, Melissa, and the first session is next Friday.  It will be more of a informative session, and what is expected, etc.  It won't count towards the 2 sessions a month, so she will still have 2 more in the month of May.  Melissa did give us some homework to try.  She wanted us to minimize open spaces.  Basically, create "islands" so that it is easier to walk to things than it is to crawl.  So, we moved stuff around last night a little bit in the living room so that she can go from one thing to the other, but of course, she hasn't.  Also, she said to get a hula hoop and hold on to one end while Madison holds on to the other.  I really didn't see how that would help, but we will do it.  And, they also suggested getting a wooden spoon for her to hold on to instead of our hand, but this is only when she can walk holding one hand.  It will be a little bit until we get there.  The program is of course voluntary, and we tell them when we are done.  At that point, they will re-evaluate her just so they can document it.  So, hopefully this therapy helps.  Jeff and I personally don't know if she needs this since she is progressing on her own, but we will do it and see what happens!