Clinic evaluation question

[Connie&Andrew]

Hi,
I've found something else to worry about. My husband always tells me that I worry way too much.

Andrew is scheduled for mod quad surgery on May 1. His clinic evaluation will be the Monday before that. He is 27 months old. My concern is this:
Andrew is at a really hard stage right now. He is really clingy. He doesn't do well around strangers at all. It is hard to get him to cooperate during therapy. Sometimes he just completely refuses to do what we would like him to do. (I know - typical 2 year old). But I'm concerned that if he doesn't cooperate at the clinic visit, then the doctors won't get an accurate picture of his abilities and limitations. I don't want them to do more than is necessary during the surgery just because Andrew wouldn't show them what he is capable of.

Has anyone else had this concern? How did things go during their clinic visit? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks

Connie

[Lenni]

Hello Connie, I remember Ashley being the same way at age 2 and here is what I used to do. I would make list of her abilities and weaknesses, based on my own judgment, prior to the appointment. While at the appointment I would try to incourage her to participate by enticing her with her favorite activities, sometimes this worked other times it did not. Also I would make a copy of my list and forward it to the Dr. prior to the appointment. Hope this helps some, and Good Luck with everything!

Lenni

[francine]

My advice:

(1) don't worry
(2) bring a lollipop or your son's favorite snack that you can use to surprise him and have him reach for or
(3) bring a favorite toy (that you had hidden and that he didn't see) so he'll be excited to see the toy and will want to reach for it this way and that way.

The actual hands on evaluations are really quick - they are used to kids in all different states of being and they know exactly what they are looking for so they can zoom in on it fast - the rest of the time they will be talking to you and answering questions.

Plus - the docs are really really nice! You'll see!

Maybe you want to show him pictures first?
http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/tch.html

good luck!!
-francine

[Elisa]

Wanted to share an experience we had. During an eval (after primary had already been cancelled) we were told that our son did need the primary surgery. I was shocked since they had cancelled it and was real concerned that they missed a few of the things that he could do, although I had told them, maybe they like to really see it themselves (understandable). Any ways, we were recommended to schedule surgery ASAP due to his age. I decided I really wanted them to see a video with our son's BEST abilities, before I bought plane tickets since they were squeezing us in for surgery soon. I sent the video overnight and they were gracious enough to watch it promptly, and guess what - decided no surgery needed after all. Talk about a roller coaster ride. We were recently told that he now needs the mod quad and again he did not show Dr. Nath his best by any means. If you could only get those kiddo's to perform when you need them to.

I think making a list & sharing your concerns is a good idea. You may also want to video your son and make a tape with his BEST clips and send it to them or bring it along with you. Best wishes!!! Elisa