I agree, Amy, that the honest approach is the way to go. It’s not always an easy decision for a family to participate in EI – with other family or work commitments, financial constraints, lack of support from other loved one or friends, etc. Figuring out if EI is the right decision can be hard but can be helped when we share what we know and let the family make the decision that’s right for them. Being open to questions, even hard ones like the “scam” comment, isn’t always easy for us either but is so necessary for that partnership to develop!

Loving this discussion! As for the “scam” statement, I have had families in the past wonder if kids ever “do fine” or “catch up” on their own without early intervention. The teams that I have worked on took an honest approach and said that some children do catch up without outside supports, but that other children might not and then have an even harder time once they entered school. Giving families the pros of providing supports early vs. a “wait and see” approach is part of informed decision making!

Absolutely, Laurie! You and Valerie both “hit it on the head” – that building that relationship with the grandmother and finding out what she is already doing with Xavier during the day are key. I love the example you gave of seeing her doing something that will encourage his communication development and pointing it out to her is a great strategy. I’m wondering how you would manage that last statement the grandma made about EI being a scam…how would you handle that with her? How would you reply?

I would completely agree, Valerie. Starting with acknowledging her feelings really is the best way to begin because feelings are so powerful and can certainly drive a person’s motivation. I also like how you said you’d want to acknowledge what she’s already doing. How would you go about finding out what she’s already doing with Xavier?

I believe in acknowledging the grandmother’s feelings and letting her know that some children do speak later but we can work together and help him. I would acknowledge the great things she is doing with him too. We need to develop a rapport and trusting relationship with grandma and have her tell us what great things she is doing to help him.

I think probably one of the best ways to approach this situation would be with those “positive and good communication skills” you mention. It can be easy to pull back from a family member who doesn’t understand or believe in EI, but once you find a way to work together, everything can turn around!