's story -into the light

[Guest guest]

's child was first diagnosed PDD -then dyspraxic. Here's two

messages from her for those that are new to know that even with a

child that may have a dual diagnosis -you may not need to do anything

but speech therapy and EFAs -this was even before vitamin E!! If you

check the archives -the following approach is all most of us did.

This is one of the " old timers " that will probably check in. Miss

hearing your glass of wine of the front steps of your home at sunset

advice !!!!

Hi Dodie -

I am and have been around this list for quite some time now.

My son

was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2 with verbal dyspraxia (verbal and

oral),

sensory integration issues, oral hypersensitivity, reflux...... He is

now

almost 5 and doing FANTASTIC. He was completely non-verbal when we

started

speech therapy and we too used sign language until the words started

forming. He really did not speak spontaneously until he was 3 1/2 - we

started him on Pro EFA and BOOM. He is now speaking in full

conversations

(and asking WHY to EVERYTHING!!), and although his articulation still

needs

some work, almost everyone can understand him !! He will even be

starting

mainstream kindergarten next year, something we weren't planning to

do!!!

Since he will be a young 5 when he starts we were going to hold him

back,

but his teacher and therapist say to put him in, as he is ready!!!!

Just

wanted to let you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and

your

has such an advantage because he is getting help so young.

's

complete story is at http://www.verbalDyspraxia.com if you are

interested.

Now - on to the husband thing. My husband constantly told me I was

making

something out of nothing. Although it hurt, I had to continue to push

on by

myself because I was the only one who was advocating for my son. After

's diagnosis my husband still did not see the " issues " and did

not

support me much. After crying my eyes out while talking to him one

night -

he said that was his only way to cope with the situation. He was to

go to

work and make the money so it would be possible for me to get the help

needed for . He said that he trusted me completely and knew

that I

would do whatever was necessary to help our son. In a way this made

me feel

better about the situation, but in another I really wanted him to help

support me emotionally and truly understand this disorder.

Finally, I just gave in and did what I had to do. My parents were a

HUGE

support (although they are in Fla and I am in NC) and my in-laws are

just

completely clueless!!!

A book will be coming out that will be featuring 's story as a

success

story. When the author approached me and sent a copy of what would be

written, it was so inspiring to me. When my husband read it he simply

said

" I don't remember things being that scary or hard...why the extra

drama??? "

Needless to say I got mad and just told him of course he doesn't

remember,

he wasn't there - he was too busy at work and dodging the problems at

home!!

Now that we are doing so well, I think my husband is understanding

more of

what we actually went through....From the in-laws all I hear is " I

told you

he would be just fine! " . I want to scream at them and say after many,

many

Dr. evaluations, almost 3 years of intensive speech therapy, millions

of

hours of working with him at home, zillions of tears and prayers, and

the

most important - FAITH!!!!! But I know that won't get it. They are the

one's missing out though, they will never know for who he

truly is.

He has worked so hard and overcome so much adversity...he is truly an

inspiration.

Okay - I ranted on enough - just wanted to let you know you are not

along

and many of us mothers' are going this hard road alone emotionally -

that is

why this listserve is so important....we mothers can support one

another and

give the emotional support that is so important!!

Will be thinking of you!!

Carnell

North Carolina

Hello -

I am lurker who used to be very active on this list, and wish I had

the time to be just as active as I used to be. I have made amazing

friends here on this list, friends I will have forever (YOU know who

you are!!!!) In reading some of the latest posts I felt it important

to talk a little about my son and the road we have traveled.

was diagnosed when he was just over 2 years old. Duke Medical

Center said it was severe verbal dyspraxia - that he would most

likely never be in mainstream school, or " normal. " - this was after a

morning of testing. The Neurologist we took him to said he was

probably high functioning autism. Thank goodness I found an angel in

a speech therapist who correctly said he had severe verbal dyspraxia,

oral hypotonia, GERD (reflux), DSI (sensory integration issues), oral

hypersensitiviy, oral apraxia, (I know there were others but you get

the point.)...BUT was very smart and will be okay with a lot of work,

patience and love.

He went to therapy 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session. We

saw some improvements, but nothing " major. " When he turned 3 his

meltdowns were more often and life was just horrible. I tried to put

him into a preschool and it was a disaster - I had to pull him out.

He had many of the autistic characteristics because he became angry

and would flip out over small things. I was told to put him on

prozac, but I knew this was not the answer. This was around the time

I discovered CHERAB and the wonderful