imitative behaviors

[Guest guest]

Michele:

Caitlyn did not mimic us at all until closer to 20 months old. She was

dx with apraxia which is lack of motor planning, this was due to her

sensory integration problems. She will mimic us a lot now as much as

her poor motor planning abilities allow. i.e. If we " make like an

airplane " with both arms outstretched and make an airplane noise, she

will put one arm out with elbow bent all the way but still make the

airplane noise. I don't think she realizes that she hasn't done the

same thing I did.

I remember so vividly when she was 16 mos. and had a bad URI and

dehydrated, I called the dr about her refusing to take liquids. The dr

said " Try having her watch you taking a drink yourself so that she will

mimic you. " This being my first child I said, " How do you get her to

mimic me? " Long pause. " Oh, your child must be special. " It's as

vivid a memory as if it happened yesterday.

Jeanne