Last week Beckett and Noah were evaluated locally for early intervention services through Leon County. I have been concerned about Beckett's speech-that it needs work, help, therapy of some sort (not delayed but the actual enunciated of specific words) and obviously wanted to start the process for Noah-visual impairments and to see what the public school system might suggest for next year. Surprisingly, after the tests, Beckett does not require speech at this point. Once he turns four in January he will be reevaluated for pre-K called VPK (voluntary pre-Kindergarten in Florida). More surprising was that the tests 1) did not assess Noah's vision 2) showed that he needed additional help in development and language.
So today Noah and I went back and he went thru another an hour and a half of thorough testing/evaluations. Again, they did not assess his vision even after I asked and pointed out he is legally blind. I felt like I failed him in that moment. The whole point (to me) was to obtain visual services in VPK. I was not able to be in the room during the testing but the door was left open and I could hear and see most of what went on. Noah stayed on task and seemed very secure without my assistance. I'm anxious for us to find out the results and what the county recommends as far as services go.
The evaluators and therapists were very impressed with Noah overall. They commented on his intellect and that his vision is not holding him back, in fact one said had he not spend 3 years in an orphanage he probably would have a genius level IQ. But they told me his fine motor skills and language (not speech) could possibly be delayed. The plan is to tally and examine both days' test results and for us to come back (again) after the holidays. I'll be starting off the New Year contacting the Florida Blind Academy and a local VI specialist to make sure Noah gets ALL the services he needs-vision included.
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