Screening Done

We have been slowly noticing that Grace has some trouble with things that 'conventional wisdom' says she should be able to do. Tom and I talked to her team - her day care teacher and her doctors and each other. We decided to request a screening for Grace at the Intermediate Unit - the county agency that handles special education - in particular early education intervention. In discussions we decided that there was nothing to lose by asking for the screening. One of two outcomes were possible - they would deem Grace not at risk or they would recommend her for the next step - a full evaluation. Either outcome would be fine.

Today was the screening. It went well. However, we didn't really get one of the two anticipated outcomes - we got secret option number three. Score-wise, Grace should be referred for a full evaluation. However, the woman doing the screening was not wholly convinced that the score was truely reflective of Grace. Grace was asked to repeat small sentences and she only got one-third of them but then went on to have a full discourse where she repeated much longer sentences. When given a sheet with six pictures on it she was asked to point to something to cook with, she correctly pointed to the stove. However, when asked what picture was something she could wear, she picked the bed and said, I go to bed. I guess she was not going to wear the raincoat! Of course, she was able to talk about her jacket with no trouble. The evaluator thought Grace may have just not been in the mood to answer all of the questions. I agreed with her - this is typical Grace behavior. This is the child who speaks to everyone on the day of her neurology appointments except for the neurologist. This is the child who when asked if she is a boy or a girl responds, 'I a hot dog'!

The poor woman doing the screening was unsure if she should recommend her for a further evaluation or not. She was open and we discussed it. It was her opinion that Grace did not meet the milestone in one or two areas but she felt that she showed promise for developing those skills. She conferred with the psychologist as well. In the end, we decided to not recommend Grace for anything further at this point but to re-visit this again in about six-months if we feel it is warranted. I imagine that in six-months time I will feel another check in warranted :-) Grace enjoyed playing with the woman and was in no rush to leave so I'm sure she will be alright with going back. Part of the decision to not further evaluate Grace was based on the past few months she had medically. They seem to think the Grace is in catch-up mode - not necessarily delayed but more slowly progressing!

My sister was joking that since both Tom and I were going to the screening with Grace, that they may be tempted to evaluate one of her parents as well. We decided that it would be Tom that got picked for referral first. Lo and behold, not even 10 minutes into the session, the woman said that she would have to do two screenings today - one for Grace and one for Tom! It was very funny. At the end, we joked with her that the decision on Grace was hard to make, the decision on Tom was easy - he needed further evaluation!

Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers - for all of us!
Marie