Social skills for an almost non-verbal child

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

I am seeking your advice again. My 5-year old daughter has severe

verbal apraxia and mid to severe dysarthria. Until November of last

year, she was almost non-verbal with minimal sounds. Then in late

November, she started to prononuce and able to imitate some words.

She now has about 150 spoken vocabulary, though alot of them are

just approximations, or needs alot of cueing, prompting to make them

intelligible.

The teachers at her typical preschool and special education both

commented she has social skils issues. Namely she enjoys to be by

self at the book corner, or observe the kids play, will not initiate

play, will stay only for a short time when invited to play.. etc. I

believe that her lack of communication is the primary reason here,

but I also know that some kids love to social, irregardless of their

speech capability.

I have checked around several places for a social skills class, but

were told me that my daughter should have individual therapy now

until she can communicate to participate in any social skills

programs. I am frustrated for not being able to help my daughter,

and would like to hear if anyone here share the same experience and

how you handle it. Many thanks.

Amelia

(Mom to )