Early Intervention

As I think I mentioned in an earlier post, neither Piper nor Fletch are saying any words with any consistency, not even Mama or Dada, especially Fletch (Piper may have one or two words). To help them with this, at our pedi's suggestion, we contacted Fairfax County's Early Intervention program. Last week, we had our full evaluation of all areas of development.

It came as no surprise that they were evaluated as being at the 12 month level for receptive and expressive speech. They also are having a bit of a hard time focusing their attention. All of this means that not only is their communication behind but their ability to interact with each other is also a bit delayed because the two issues are tied together. I was really sad to learn about their speech issues, but even more saddened to know that their interaction were delayed. Every twin mom can't wait to see her babies begin to interact and hug each other or share a toy with one another. With that being said though, I also was a bit relieved to learn all this. I've thought for months that they were behind, but couldn't help feeling like maybe I was being a worrywart about this. Now, at least I know I'm not crazy.

We're hoping to start weekly therapy sessions as soon as a therapist is available, which should be less than a month. It will be so nice to get started for many reasons. In particular, I know that Piper and Fletch may whine less when they aren't as frustrated with their inability to communicate. Also, it will be good to have a another resource to ask questions about our concerns and bounce ideas of off.

With any luck, we'll see some progress relatively soon. Since the first day they went to daycare, I've longed to hear they say, "Hi Momma" when I pick them up. Right now I do get a smile at the door, but to hear them call me Momma would be so wonderful.

I'm also hoping for some progress soon because I can't help but have a tinge of guilt about this. Did I do something wrong when they were in my belly? Not enough veggies? Too few vitamins? The speech therapist said delays are common in twins, and the attention issues are common in babies who are born late pre-term (between 35-37w, P&F were born at 36 weeks 4 days). I'm not sure knowing that alleviates any of my guilt or not. I also wonder a bit, did I go back to work too soon? When I was home with them, did I spend enough time talking to them and not just caught up in feeding and diapering them? Of course, I'm sure none of this has caused their delay, but the thoughts cross my mind.

With all that being said, I do have to give kudos to Fairfax County. They've been easy to work with and beyond nice in helping us. We're so lucky to live in a place with such wonderful resources.