Thread: I just requested an early evaluation and I'm scared

Rachelle- Thank you so much for that link and for the hugs. I knew I had seen that website before but couldn't find it again when I wanted it. She does use nonverbal gestures and has for a long time. I never thought about them, I guess, because she's used them since before she was talking (probably by about a year). I answered the questions as honestly as possible, and I (well, she, I guess) got the score of 21. I'm thinking...

well, to ease some of your fears... state run early intervention programs do not give a diagnosis. They will evaluate and tell you if your DD has a delay in an area, but they won't say "you're daughter has this wrong with her!" And this is not something that will stick with her for life, if there is any kind of delay! That is what early intervention is about...getting them help so that they won't have problems...

I second clicksab. EI won't give a "diagnosis" - they will let you know if and in what areas she is delayed. At her age you would most likely get "developmental delay" as a "label" (if anything). It is harder to get a dx than most people realize. However, without the dx it is often hard to get needed services. I too was worried about having some dianosis or label follow my son around...

Others have said what I would about your fears about diagnosis and such. Actually, EI can't evaluate for autism at all typically though they can send for evaluation if it seems warranted. They are just looking for delays. It's good to get things checked out. I think wondering/not knowing is so much more difficult than an actual diagnosis emotionally. I'm not thinking my neurotypical child was great with open ended questions at...