My meeting notes march 13, 2002 Bergen County

[Guest guest]

Apraxia Network Minutes, March 13, 2002

The meeting was opened at 7:20 pm by Jeanne Buesser, president, at the new

meeting place, the Hillcrest School in Paramus. She invited those present to

check their e-mail for information regarding the two meetings in April and

May, as well as the May picnic at Van Saun Park, which is currently in the

planning stage.

Jeanne then introduced Dr. Ladak, a developmental pediatrician, with a

concentration in the field of “special needs†children. Her practice is

situated in Saddle Brook.

Dr. Ladak stressed the need for early intervention, especially if a parent

observes that certain developmental criteria have not been met by the time a

child is 2-3 years old. She distributed a pamphlet, which suggested when

most children reach maturation standards, such as turning over, sitting up,

walking, simple speech, social interaction, following instructions, etc.

Dr. Ladak indicated that the plasticity of the brain allows for some parts of

the brain to take over the functions of other parts of the brain that may be

malfunctioning, until a child is 5-6 years old. As a child develops, a

steady improvement, albeit slow, should be noted in the following skills:

gross motor, fine motor, communication, emotional growth, social

relationships, self-help and problem solving, among others. It is more

important to be aware that this steady growth is taking place, than to worry

about a rate of speed or to compare your child with another. Delayed

development may be treatable. Of more serious concern is a diagnosis of

disassociation or deviant behavior. Red flags of awareness include:

1. lack of interuterine fetal activity

2. repeated arching in young babies

3. a non-crying baby

4. an unwillingness of youngsters to swallow chunky foods

5. echolalia in the extreme

6. lack of response to their own name

7. no eye contact

Dr. Ladak mentioned that not all children with delayed developmental issues

are successfully treated. Since some brain defect or damage is often the

cause of learning disabilities, it is important to attack the problem early,

while brain plasticity will work in the child’s favor.

Dr. Ladak ended her presentation with an open floor discussion of topics

suggested by the audience, covering the following:

1. possible methods of working with verbal apraxic children

2. the need for good nutrition, but not at the risk of brow-beating the

child to eat the desired food

3. the use of firm, but yet gentle, positive discipline

4. the advantage of nursery school to offer a structured environment to aid

development

5. sympathy and understanding should be used to help relax a frustrated

child who cannot communicate successfully.

Her final words implied that parents should keep trying. There is always

hope in the future, if you keep working with your child as best as you are

able.