Early Intervention Program

With an international adoption, our pediatrician recommended the New York Early Intervention Program. I had never heard of it. Victoria has that thing that some babies have where their head tends to tilt to one side (there’s a real name for it, but I can’t remember it). It generally means that the tendons on one side are tight and need some therapy. Not a big deal, but something that should be addressed early.

This is one of the many things that the Early Intervention Program is for. In New York City, this is an absolutely free program. They will evaluate your child and determine if he/she is eligible for services. Today we had an occupational therapist, and physical therapist and a speech therapist evaluating Victoria. The speech therapist indicated that Victoria was “age appropriate” so nothing needs to be done. The other therapists gave us some exercises to help work and stretch certain muscles. In her foster home, Victoria probably spent a lot of time lying on her back.

Following all the evaluations (we have one more next Tuesday) we will get a full recommendation. It sounds likely that a physical therapist will come to our place twice a week for 30 minutes to work with Victoria. We’ll know after the final evaluations next week.

Again, this is all free. Well, not exactly free because NY is a high tax state. But what a great service. Identifying young children (they work with birth to age three) to help early when it makes the most impact.