EI evals vs private evals?

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Registered: 05-09-2003
EI evals vs private evals?
8
Wed, 11-23-2005 - 12:38pm
We're on a waiting list for an evaluation at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Maryland. Jake currently get's OT, DT, and ST through EI and his service coordinator suggested that they could do an evaluation through EI and we wouldn't have to wait so long. She said that a psychologist, and an autism specialist (whatever that is), as well as possibly some others, would come out to our home for two or three visits to conduct their evaluation. Are they capable of diagnosing him? Are they as accurate as KKI would be? Are they going to able to determine borderline cases, or HFA, or Aspergers or does that require more specialization? I'm still staying on the waiting list at KKI, but the wait is 4 - 6 months, and EI can get us in right after Christmas. Anyone have any experience with this? Advice, suggestions, opinions ????? Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 11-23-2005 - 1:08pm

Do both. No harm in a second oppinion or a couple oppinions. If you have it covered by insurance and what not, then I would. The EI could be done quicker and he may qualify for more services and you may be able to access more supports if he is diagnosed, but I would still keep the KKI one as a 2nd oppinion and outside assessment.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Fri, 11-25-2005 - 10:49pm

I agree with Renee. Do both. You have nothing to lose. EI testing costs nothing, and it may produce some answers.

-Paula

-Paula

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2003
Sat, 11-26-2005 - 9:48pm

Just jumping on the bandwagon to say do both!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2005
Mon, 11-28-2005 - 11:38am

We did both and got more answers from KKI than EI.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2003
Mon, 11-28-2005 - 11:52am

If this isn't prying, what county are you in? I am in Howard and I have to say I have been nothing but impressed with the EI servics we have received thus far. we have consider getting a KKI evaluation but we decided to wait and see since DD is only 2yr 8 mos and her test results that we received from EI seem to be pretty accurate. She tested very well in all areas except of course her speecha and language, and her social issues scores were okay, but clearly impacted by the language issues. they came up with a PDD-NOS diagnosis and we are getting LOTS of services, all for free. She goes to the RECC preschool 5 days a week, currently 3 hours a day, but with the expectation of extending her days after the holidays. she is getting ST, OT for sensory issues, PECS and sign language. the class is about 60/40 special needs/NT kids with 2 full time Special needs trained teachers and 4 classroom assitants for approx 12 kids, and school is 1.3 miles from my house. We didn't think we'd get any additional services at this point by going to KKI, and the KKI programs sounded great but I didn't see where I'd be getting any more services. We have decided that we'd get her a KKI eval around age 4 or 5, if we think its necessary. So I guess my question is will it impact the services you are able to get, or worse will it delay any services? My personal suggestion would be to get an eval and begin services asap and if you aren't satisfied with the eval or you think its waaay off, the put yourself on the KKI list....

gl to you...

ml

ETA: if anybody reads this and sees something we SHOULD be getting, lemme me know. so far, everytime I have asked them to add something, I've been told yes without hesitation ...




Edited 11/28/2005 12:00 pm ET by mommylawyer2002
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Registered: 04-15-2003
Mon, 11-28-2005 - 11:58am

Do you like their social skills classes etc...? I looked at the schedule and all of the KKI stuff conflicted with her current school schedule, not to mention being a serious hike (well I do it daily for work but going back and forth could be a challenge for me and my nanny) but I keep an eye on their classes etc as possible options for Hannah as she gets a little older. I have noticed a LOT of improvement since she started RECC so I am hesitant to disrupt the apple cart....

ml

..isn't it crazy how different the services are from county to county??? although HC autism society is pretty militant and active so I imagine that is why the school system does a really good job here....

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Registered: 09-09-2005
Mon, 11-28-2005 - 3:38pm

So far the social skills group has been a good outlet for Liam.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2003
Mon, 11-28-2005 - 5:27pm

Thanks for the info...its still kind of hard because she is so young...I woner how much of her parallel play is age appropriate and how much is the PDD-NOs, but this weekend she played with her brother and my best friend's kids for a little while before doing her own thing. I just wonder how much is wow these are new toys and I want to check them out, and i am bored with thomas the train so i'll find something different versus the pdd-nos....

ml