2 Year Old Not Talking - Chicago,IL

Hi Holly,

I am a speech-language pathologist working in the early intervention system in Chicago (I'm at UIC). If you are concerned, you can contact directly your local Child and Family Connections (CFC) and obtain a referral for a free home-based evaluation. You don't need a physician's prescription for the eval (only if the eval team finds that your child needs services you will need one; but don't worry about this right now).

The CFCs, depending on their geographical location, work with many providers: non-for-profit agencies (e.g., UIC, Easter Seals, El Valor, etc.), private agencies, and independent providers. You have the right to choose the provider for the evaluation. The composition of the evaluation team varies according to your concerns. For example, if your only concern is speech/language, then you will get a speech-language pathologist (SLP) (who addresses your specific concerns) and a developmental therapist (DT) (who takes a global look at your child and makes sure there are no other red flags in other areas of development).

Here is the link to a listing of CFCs. CFCs go by numbers; the numbers serving Chicago are 8, 9, 10, & 11 (check out your zip code):
http://www.wiu.edu/ProviderConnections/links/CFCList.html
When you call, ask to speak to a service coordinator (SC), who will be your personal link/resource to EI services. CFCs also count with parent liaisons, which are parents who had kids receiving EI services and know the "ins" and "outs" of the system; they are an additional resource for you if you have any questions or need advice.

I would not suggest contacting your local public school system, as your son is under 3 and, therefore, eligible for early intervention services should they be recommended.

If after the evaluation it is determined that your child needs services, then you, your SC (also present in the eval), and the evaluation team will write a document called the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This document specifies the services recommended/frequency/strategies, etc. and all the information needed to understand the "plan" for helping your child accomplish the goals that you and your family set for him. Once again, you have the right to choose a provider (once again, one of the many agencies/providers working with the CFCs--it does not need to be the same provider that evaluated your child).

Once your child turns 3, his home-based (or center-based, whatever you choose) services will be discontinued. If he continues to need services, he will be transitioned to the public school system, where he will get center-based services as indicated in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

I hope this was helpful. Navigating the EI system can be cumbersome some times, but if your child needs that extra push to help him catch up, it is totally worth it! Feel free to email me with any questions.

G.

I'd recommend going to a free Child Find screening at a Chicago public library or park. You can call the Office of Specialized Services at Chicago Public Schools at ###-###-####. Ask to speak to Angela Higginbothan and ask for the Child Find schedule. They will do an initial screening of your child based on your report and their observation of him/her. If there are concerns, they will refer you to Child and Family Connections for a full evaluation. The screenings are held at various locations around the city and it's a good, quick way to get started on the process.

Hi Holly ,

I had my sons tested by Early ChildHood Intervention and it was really nice as long as your child is under 3 they will come out to you for all the testing and come to your house should your son need sppech . My 4 yr old sone had speech through them and now is continuing through our local Lasec program through the school district. The group i used for my sons is located out of Hillside ###-###-#### . They can get you started , I highly rec having your son check out , early intervention is the best thing we can give our kids . If you have any question or need more info please just shoot me a e-mail

K.

Early Intervention is funded by the state and they will come to your house for free and evaluate your child. They are great. U can google them, or better yet, ask your pediatrician for the number. Is your doc concerned about his speech? Remember kids develop at different rates but it never hurts to get them evaluated, it's free anyways. My 2 yr old currently gets speech therapy twice a week thru EI.

I should think it is normal. But I suppose it depends on how far into the second year your child is. My daughter spoke very little until she was nearly three. She is considered "gifted" now by the Chicago Public Schools. And her visualization skills are off the charts. Albert Einstein was a famously "late" talker. My next door neighbors have a teenager who didn't talk until he was nearly four. But he's fluent in two languages and talks all the time now. All of which is just to say there may be nothing at all to worry about. Personally I would consult my pediatrician before investing in screening.

Also, try this link for information: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ei/

It looks like the hotline is: 1-800-323-GROW

Holly,

I can personally and professionally comment on this one. There is a cause for concern,not doubt. Don't let other people tell you otherwise. I must tell you my daughter was behind and I regret not getting help sooner.

By the age of 2 children should be have at least 100 words (more really) and be putting 2 & 3 words together. I happen to also be a certified speech-language pathologist. I have an office just minutes from Chicago.

And I have openings! Please call me at ###-###-#### and we can talk further,

C.

I believe Easter seals can come out. Also try calling your local public school because they may be able to help you. Good luck!