Early Childhood Assessment

ADJUSTED AGE: 8 WEEKS

Truman had his first developmental assessment by Early Childhood Intervention on Monday and was pronounced as being on track for his adjusted age. It was determined that he was right on track regarding motor skills and that his verbal and social skills were evolving toward where they needed to be. At this time, he will not be receiving any therapies from ECI to help catch him up. Because his pediatrician and therapists through Baylor are working on his feeding and nutrition issues, those were not assessed. His ECI case worker will continue to check in on him every month to make sure he remains on track.

We felt going into the assessment that Truman is just about where he needs to be for a two-month-old baby. However, we wanted confirmation of that and to make sure that he continues to be tracked due to the intraventricular hemorrhages he suffered in his early weeks. Although no brain damage appears to have ocurred at this point, the blood is still there and could cause damage in the future. He is still at elevated risks for such complications as cerebral palsy, so it's important that developmental specialists keep an eye on him.

Truman had a follow-up opthamologist appointment yesterday as well. The retinas of his eyes have moved into zone III (the final zone of development) and appear to be progressing. The ridge remains on his left eye, but it has moved out, allowing the vessels to move into zone III. So, another good report.

Developmentally, we heard what sounded like Truman's first official "coo" on Monday morning. It was a very cute squeal. I also noticed yesterday that in addition to tracking, he has started to move his gaze between objects. There is a stationary mobile on his changing table, and he was looking from one bear to another and back again.

Again, we have so much to be thankful for that considering the horrible start our little had in life, things are really going quite well for him.

--Kara