What happens at 3 and reviews of Easter Seals

[Wild Lupine]

DS turns three in a few months. He still needs PT, OT, and feeding therapy. The school district did their testing and say his needs aren't educational so they cannot take over services (unless we pay them). I may fight this, but knowing this school district probably won't win, so I'm trying to figure out what the next step is for DS.

Funds are extremely limited for us; DS has good insurance but the copays alone for various therapies will break the bank. There's no way we can pay for preschool on top of using private therapists. 

A friend just recommended Easter Seals and I had a look at their web site. It looks like they might provide comprehensive, coordinated services, which I think DS needs - people who can look at him from a variety of perspectives and change the balance of his therapies depending on what he needs.

Has anyone here used Easter Seals? Or found another great way to get their 3-5 year old child coordinated services for not too much money?

[countryduck]

I REALLY wish I had some info for you but I don't.  I think I might be in the same boat as you before long.  I have an almost three year old who will be going to Early Intervention for an evaluation next week.  Hope someone can provide some input for you.  Best wishes to you!

[khaoskat]

With just knowing he needs PT, OT and feeding therapy there is not much help anyone can give, as no one knows diagnosis based upon those.

I am not sure where you are located, but depending again upon your child's diagnosis, you can qualify for insurance through the state for disabled children....and often time everything is covered in full with no co-pays.

Also, your child may qualify, again based upon diagnosis, for BCMH (Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps) or your County's MRDD (Mental Retardation and Developmental Delays).  Some of those services stop at the age of 3, but I believe BCMH goes beyond the age of three..just make sure you get payment approved for both diagnosis and treatment/therapy

[Wild Lupine]

Originally Posted by khaoskat 

With just knowing he needs PT, OT and feeding therapy there is not much help anyone can give, as no one knows diagnosis based upon those.

I am not sure where you are located, but depending again upon your child's diagnosis, you can qualify for insurance through the state for disabled children....and often time everything is covered in full with no co-pays.

Also, your child may qualify, again based upon diagnosis, for BCMH (Bureau of Children with Medical Handicaps) or your County's MRDD (Mental Retardation and Developmental Delays).  Some of those services stop at the age of 3, but I believe BCMH goes beyond the age of three..just make sure you get payment approved for both diagnosis and treatment/therapy

He has a diagnosed feeding and swallowing disorder and also hypotonia (which I know is a symptom rather than a diagnosis). We're seeing a neurologist next week so we might have another, more comprehensive and meaningful diagnosis soon. We have applied for Katie Beckett, and were denied (which is par for the course the first time around in our state), but will apply again in a few months.