Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 It's not that the therapy at home is always better than the therapy at the clinic -it depends on the therapist. Sounds like the one you had at the clinic lucked out in odds to keep her job since 75% of late talkers are just that -children that speak a bit late with or without therapy. The fact that she promised you that " by 2 he'll be up to 200 words " was probably just one of many clues. 75% of the time she was correct! But why am I also falling into the trap of assuming there is a diagnosis? Your child is only 22 months old and it's still possible he's part of the 75% group! It's possible the therapist leaning towards an apraxia diagnosis is wrong. If you listen to some of the apraxia " experts " out there they'll tell you apraxia can't even be diagnosed until 3 years old. Of course in this group we know that's not true but the point is there are specific things to look for. If your child is delayed in speech then speech therapy (with a good therapist) will help -can't hurt...but if it's apraxia you want to know so your child can get the appropriate more intensive therapies early. Have you read The Late Talker book? It may help you either way. An apraxia diagnosis not as dismal as you may believe. The overwhelming majority over the years here have children that are diagnosed with apraxia at some point from two years old to even as late as nine years old and learn to be verbal communicators mainstreamed in school and life. Then there's the whole other large and growing group of apraxic children who are misdiagnosed as autistic who don't end up with the right therapy for months or years and remain nonverbal until they end up getting the right diagnosis and overcome. If apraxia is suspected you probably want to go for a second opinion with another SLP -and you probably want to also take your child to a knowledgeable neurodevelopmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist which I have more on below. Don't let that overwhelm you -the next therapist or the neuroMD may say they don't see any signs of anything other than a simple delay in speech. Even without a diagnosis of course if your child is delayed a certain percentage he should be qualified for Early Intervention through your state. Or are you outside the US? You don't mention any signs other than the not talking yet so after reading through some of the following let us know if there are any other signs. It's OK to cry -we all do when we first hear a " leaning towards " diagnosis (or months later when it really hits us) but the good news is that the chances are that like most of us you'll find yourself shocked to be telling your child to " stop talking so much and get ready " because you are in a rush to get them to school or whatever! To listen to various children with apraxia at various ages you can go to Bilker's talking page which was inspired by his son who is now a teenager. My son Tanner who just turned 12 is also on this page as well as Khalid who is twenty something now! It seems we now have more parents of teens with apraxia in this group than ever before as this group has been around for close to 9 years now! http://www.debtsmart.net/talk/index.html Below is a very long archive on just about all you need to know to get your child from 0 to 60 mph in speech. (including info about fish oils!) Re: Hi! New and wondering about apraxia. Hi Mrs Laurie and welcome! Your son sounds like he has some oral apraxia which would of course need to be confirmed by professionals. If oral apraxia is present together with your child's delay he should at least be diagnosed as " suspected apraxia " and appropriate therapy should be provided. He is entitled by federal law to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) which means that if 5 days of one on one speech therapy is appropriate for him then that's what he should receive. What type of speech therapy is he receiving from the school right now when you say " some " ? Below is a very long archive to help -please know that you don't have to understand it all at once -we're here as a group to help! Thanks for sharing. This group has from the start been a group that's made up of parents and professionals who care for children with many types of speech and/or language delays and/or disorders. There are parents here for example with undiagnosed " late talkers " and we just have not heard from them in awhile. It's actually a really good thing when there is a mix of us to share because we all learn from each other as many diagnoses can overlap -or down the road we learn that our child does have co diagnosis. While this group is open to parents of all children with communication impairments -including hearing impaired, autistic etc. it wasn't that all that posted recently had a child with autism, or autism and apraxia -but because of society focus on autism -many here started following an autism approach -including ABA in some cases! That's understandable if the much more basic approach to apraxia -ST and OT and EFAs were tried first and didn't work -but some were trying that to start. The overwhelming majority (if you check the archives) have success with the basic approach to apraxia. On the other hand- most of us are dealing with more than verbal apraxia.we just don't know that when our child is 2 -and we learn through professionals and observations as they continue to grow and more and more is expected of them. This is also why it's important to take your child for a neurodevelopmental medical exam when your child is suspected of apraxia to confirm or rule out other diagnosis such as sensory integration dysfunction etc. The earlier you know - the sooner to start appropriate therapies to get them up to speed by kindergarten. Don't let it overwhelm you -perhaps we aren't meant to know more than what we have to know at each stage. We'll be here to help along the way. It's OK to have any type of emotion when we find out our child has more than a simple delay -or " more " than " just " verbal apraxia. And it's OK to be completely overwhelmed and saddened to find out your child has apraxia. And as I was one of those parents it's never " just " apraxia when you find out!!! It's OK to be upset " just " because your child is a " late talker " too! Please know that I too believed Tanner to just have apraxia and have my first message posted to a grouplist about that below.but down the road found out he had a few other things we needed to help him address. The incredible news is that the majority of our children if you check history are up to speed to be mainstreamed by kindergarten- and of course many have learned with communication impaired children that it's best to start kindergarten at 6 vs. 5 to give them that one extra year of therapy and developmental time. If you have questions after reading the following please share them. This group has always been a wealth of information for all of us, no matter how long we've been here. Below is a new member archived message to hopefully answer more of your questions for now (did you read The Late Talker yet?) For updated information on fish oils and vitamin E and more - please visit the links section here /links What type of apraxic like speech behaviors are you seeing that makes you and the SLP suspect your child has apraxia vs. a simple delay in speech? Is your child talking at all yet? At your child's age - without speech, it's difficult to diagnose verbal apraxia -they could " suspect " verbal apraxia and begin treatment just in case, which wouldn't hurt your child if he ended up just having a simple delay. Just a few questions before we could provide more accurate answers: Does your child have signs of oral apraxia? (for example, can he on command smile, imitate funny faces, blow bubbles...if you put peanut butter anywhere around his mouth can he lick it off no matter where it is?) http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/oralapraxia.html Does your child have any neurological " soft signs " such as hypotonia or sensory integration dysfunction? http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/parentfriendlysoftsigns.html Who else evaluated your child? Was it only the SLP through your town school or was he also in Early Intervention through the state? (birth to three) Was he evaluated by both a speech pathologist as well as an occupational therapist? Was/were they knowledgeable about apraxia? (If your child wasn't diagnosed by an occupational therapist as well and professionals suspect apraxia -I highly recommend you request that too either through both the school as well as private through insurance for many reasons) To answer any questions you may have about taking your child to see a neurodevelopmental MD if he has not yet been to one and apraxia is suspected... in one word - " Yes!!! " I would have your child diagnosed (private) by a neurodevelopmental medical doctor (developmental pediatrician or pediatric neurologist) who is knowledgeable about apraxia and other neurologically based multi-faceted communication impairments for numerous reasons. Reasons include (but not limited to) *having a " hero " on the outside of the school who can assist in a therapeutic plan and oversee your child's development over the years *advocacy support with the insurance company * ruling out or confirming any neurological soft signs or any other reasons for the delay in speech *help those that ask " why isn't he talking yet " understand this is a medical condition -and has nothing to do with your child's cognitive ability. (if in your child's case it doesn't. Apraxia in itself does not affect a child's cognitive ability -and speaking early or late is no indication of a child's intelligence. Also contrary to popular belief -most who have speech impairments have average to above average intelligence) Here's an article written by Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr. Marilyn Agin that was featured as a cover article in Contemporary Pediatrics -a trade magazine for hundreds of thousands of pediatric medical professionals across the US. (I wrote the parent guide) " The " late talker " -when silence isn't golden Not all children with delayed speech are " little Einsteins " or garden variety " late bloomers. " Some have a speech-language disorder that will persist unless warning signs are recognized and intervention comes early. Includes a Guide for Parents. " Podcast interview with Dr. Marilyn Agin from Contemporary Pediatrics http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/radio_peds4 Actual article (where you can read it for free) http://drgreene.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?P=Content & ArticleID=132720 or http://opsc.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?P=Content & ArticleID=132720 My parent guide still works (for free) http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/contpeds/data/articlestandard/contpeds/492\ 004/136315/article.pdf I would also have at least one private " out of pocket " (if possible) exam with a knowledgeable speech pathologist as well. This SLP can coordinate with your child's MD, and school therapist and other professionals, and again be there to assist in a therapeutic plan, help set goals and oversee your child's development over the years if needed. Networking with parents of other speech-impaired children is also possibly one of the best moves you could make in your child's recovery. Others will steer you to the " right " professionals and programs in your area -and you won't feel so alone. I would HIGHLY recommend joining a whose goal is to unite parents and professionals. This group / is through CHERAB http://www.cherab.org The speechville website also has message boards so that you can talk to other parents on particular topics. http://www.speech-express.com/boards/ Check your state resources at Speechville to find local support groups and resources. http://www.speech-express.com/regional-resources.html http://www.speech-express.com/communication-station/regional-support-groups.html (BTW -for anyone who is either running or starting a support group - due to The Late Talker book and the many who will see your group, please make sure your info is up at this website and accurate) For all your other questions including what type of testing -just read " The Late Talker " . (Nike said 'Just Do It!' -I say 'Just Read It!') At Amazon.com you can even start today and read sample pages of the book online! " The first book to show parents how to tell whether a child has a speech delay -or a more serious speech disorder Every parent eagerly awaits the day his or her child will speak for the fist time. For millions of mothers and fathers, however, anticipation turns to anxiety when those initial, all-important words are a long time coming. Many worried parents are reassured that their child is " just a late talker, " but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Co-author Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 -Sounds like your little one has made some good progress.... I love to hear when they are putting word togeather it makes me so happy. I definatly understand where you are coming from with frustration. Devin which is my son has only say mommo ( mamma) doddo (dadda) and Bubba. But he can sign please more cookie. That is a complete sentance to me...So I am grateful of that. At first we did not know anything about program out there so ofcourse insurance did not pay for our therapy at a clinic then we were told by a friend about early intervention and he did qualify because of his speech at that time not even 2 months ago he said nothing... Like your daughter he does not imitate us at all and we were sure he would esp. after the tubes in his ears.... He has only 2 more sessions with early steps then it stops due to the lack of therapist willing to service out county... So we are basically out of luck but they say we can bring him to a clinic free of charge but we have tried the clinic thing and it has not worked for us... My son does not go many places because he gets sick very easy... He was a preemie and even though he is fine now.. Off apnea monitor for 4 months YEAH!!!!!He seems to catch anything and eveything... He also has some breathing issues still but nothing major....... I definatly appreciate your response I hope we can get some answers soon.... Maybe I should look into the fish oil as well... Thanks Rapsodie -- In , " thuyttphan " <thuyttphan@...> wrote: > > Hi there, > > I don't know how much I can help, but I just wanted to let you know > that you are not alone. I am about where you are with my daughter. > She is 28 months old now. At 24 months, she had 19 " words " . Early > Intervention said she was just delayed and didn't qualify. Well, now > at 28 months, she has about 35 " words " and I had her reevaluated at a > private speech place and they are saying dyspraxia/apraxia (which is > scary). Her first speech therapy session will be tomorrow. I will > get her reevaluated by Early Intervention later this month...perhaps > she'll qualify now for the free at home stuff. I will be taking her > to a developmental pediatrician and a neurologist sometime this > month. We had her hearing checked which came out fine. > > As for a description of Melia: she seems very normal, has no issues > other than the speech. She can move her teeth, tongue, lips, etc. > just fine. She cannot imitate us. She has those 35 words and will > use them appropriately and the rest of the time just grunt (enh, enh, > enh) and use lots gestures and signs (ASL or ones that she's made up > herself). She has no sensory issues or hypotonia. She plays well by > herself and with others. She sleeps well and eats well. She is > potty trained as of 2 weeks ago. She has put 2 words together , but > they are pretty much limited to " no, mama " , " up, mama " , " please, > mama " . But she does put one word with gestures alot to convey more > info which is encouraging. She understands everything we say to her > and some things that we don't say to her(when she's obviously > eavesdropping). She will follow 2-3 step directions without any > other cues. I've started giving her fish oil. My friend who is > really up on supplements, health food...stuff like that says you > can't go wrong and overdose with fish oil since it really is just > food---oil from fish. > > I'm still hoping that she is only delayed, but the developmental > pediatrician and neurologist will give me a more definitive answer > (hopefully). My regular pediatrician thinks she is okay and probably > just delayed, but supposedly they are not really trained for this > kind of stuff. My gut tells me she is only delayed and may perhaps > start talking after 3 years old, but better to be safe than sorry, > right? I am not sure either what to expect from the dev ped or the > neurologist. I'm thinking that the dev ped will look and play with > Melia and ask me lots of questions and then give me her/his > professional opinion. With the neurologist, I'm thinking that he/she > will do some lab tests (CAT scans, MRI, bloodwork). For this type of > stuff, she'll be asleep, of course. Scary stuff to have to do on a > toddler. > > Question for you: why are you having to stop the free at home speech > therapy? When you mentioned Early step, is this the same as Early > Intervention??? If not, you should look into the Early Intervention > in your area. There should be one since they are a govenrment agency > that also works with the local public school system. They work with > kids from birth to 3 years old. If he qualifies (25 % delayed), > it'll be the free at home speech therapy. > > I hope I have given you some useful info. I've cried and am still > crying these days, too. I've stayed up late reading everyones' posts > and analyzing my child's symptoms and constantly wondering if Melia > does or does not have apraxia. I want a real answer whether it be > yae or nae and I think the dev ped and neurologist can give me that. > I think you should also get a real answer from someone qualified and > not someone just saying we're " leaning towards apraxia. " Because > what the @#% & does that really mean anyway and what does a parent do > with that info?...except get thoroughly confused. > > Take care, > Thuy > > > > > > Hello. I have been reading all the great info. people have been > > posting and have finally decided to write. My son who is almost 22 > > months old and the most precious little boy.He is not really > talking. > > He had alot of ear infections and we thought that when he had tubes > > put in his ears that he would immediatly start since his hearing > test > > he passed with flying colors. Well he had tubes put in and he still > > did not start to talk. We started to get real concerned .... So our > > ped. recommended we go to a speech therapist so we did so and she > > reassured us nothing was wrong with him. Keep in mind this is a > > little boy who could hear everything we said follow instructions > and > > seemed to get all we were saying. She started to say things to us > > like boy he sure has a temper and if we could get him to listen to > > me. Right away I felt uneasy.... Then she started to say things > like > > by the time he is 2 he will be saying atleast 200 words... I > > eventually pulled him out when I found Early steps program. They > have > > done wonders with him. He says 3 words now and signs about 40 > signs. > > He does not have a bad temper he was just very frustrated he wanted > > to tell us things and could not tell us. Now they are saying that > > they believe that he is leaning towards apraxia..... I have read > > about it and everything I have read says about other delays this > and > > that... I am so confused....... This therapy (at home) has done > > wonders for hime. Where as the therapy in a clinic was doing > nothing > > for him....... They are actually having to stop the therapy at > home. > > So now I have to find a therapist ( at my expense once again) to > come > > to the house..... But I am trying to find out some info about > apraxia > > from people who have had experiance with it not just from articles > > and research.... How do they test a baby for it.....? What type of > > test do they do? The therapist we have now are trying to set up a > > referrel to go see someone and I want to kinda know what to > expect.. > > He gets upset easily and I want to know what to expect so i can be > as > > prepared as possible.... Sorry if I am kinda all over the place.... > I > > am so so confused and upset... I have cried and cried so much over > > this.... It seems that everything is just so overwhelming when it > > hits you all at one time... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 --Jill, What test did the have to run to diagnose him with apraxia? Devin has been through alot in his little life so far... And since he has a hard time communicating a trip to the doctors office or any type of testing can make for a horrible time..... It is bad with children that can speak but when a child can not speak it seems tremendously horrible. I have noticed atleast with my son he looks at me like hey you mom dont you understand what I am trying to tell you.... I am curious is a neuro. thing? I am just so beside myself here.. Thanks Rapsodie - In , JADulske@... wrote: > > My son is almost 8 and was diagnosed with verbal apraxia around the age of > 2. He still doesn't speak and he gets really upset when he cant tell us what he > wants. He can understand and hear everything we say but just cant say it > back and he gets really frustrated. He just started saying mom a few weeks ago. > He has a dynavox machine that he uses so he can tell us what he wants. He > gets frustrated with that sometimes though because he cant find what he wants. > If you have any more questions just let me know and I will try to help. > JIll > > > In a message dated 7/1/2008 12:44:31 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > Rapsodie27@... writes: > > > > > Hello. I have been reading all the great info. people have been > posting and have finally decided to write. My son who is almost 22 > months old and the most precious little boy.He is not really talking. > He had alot of ear infections and we thought that when he had tubes > put in his ears that he would immediatly start since his hearing test > he passed with flying colors. Well he had tubes put in and he still > did not start to talk. We started to get real concerned .... So our > ped. recommended we go to a speech therapist so we did so and she > reassured us nothing was wrong with him. Keep in mind this is a > little boy who could hear everything we said follow instructions and > seemed to get all we were saying. She started to say things to us > like boy he sure has a temper and if we could get him to listen to > me. Right away I felt uneasy.... Then she started to say things like > by the time he is 2 he will be saying atleast 200 words... I > eventually pulled him out when I found Early steps program. They have > done wonders with him. He says 3 words now and signs about 40 signs. > He does not have a bad temper he was just very frustrated he wanted > to tell us things and could not tell us. Now they are saying that > they believe that he is leaning towards apraxia..... I have read > about it and everything I have read says about other delays this and > that... I am so confused....that... I am so confused....<WBR > wonders for hime. Where as the therapy in a clinic was doing nothing > for him....... They are actually having to stop the therapy at home. > So now I have to find a therapist ( at my expense once again) to come > to the house..... But I am trying to find out some info about apraxia > from people who have had experiance with it not just from articles > and research.... How do they test a baby for it.....? What type of > test do they do? The therapist we have now are trying to set up a > referrel to go see someone and I want to kinda know what to expect.. > He gets upset easily and I want to know what to expect so i can be as > prepared as possible.... Sorry if I am kinda all over the place.... I > am so so confused and upset... I have cried and cried so much over > this.... It seems that everything is just so overwhelming when it > hits you all at one time... > > > > > > > > **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for > fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used? ncid=aolaut00050000000007) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 --Thank you very much Jen. I know I sometimes sit here and think what is wrong with me get off your tail and stop having a pitty party it will be fine.... My son was born 10 weeks early and I told myself then I would never ever say why is this happening but here I am finding myself saying the same question..... I am trying to just embrace it but it is so hard to just let it be. Kids can be mean and adults even meaner.... When we are with my son and he is takin a so called fit people say things like if she would spank him he would not act like that... They dont understand he is not aking I fit he is trying to tell me something and just has not learned the sign for it yet.... I just want to knock there lights out.... I have 2 other children a 10 year old boy and a 6 year old daughter who have embraced this whole thing with no reservations they are learning how to sign even on there own... They have been great .... I just feel like there is more I should be doing.... Thank you so very much for you words of encouragement and I might just take you up on that e- mail offer... Thanks Rapsodie In , jennyjudy@... wrote: > > It is so hard when you first learn of any diagnosis. It is one of those > things that with time you learn to accept and find peace with. I remember at > first I cried all the time too, and still sometimes do. My son will be 5 in > September, when his in home speech therapist works with him with the kaufman cards > he can say lots of words, but definitely not perfectly by any means, he only > has a few words that are spontaneous. A speech therapist is qualified to > make the diagnosis for apraxia, or if you feel more comfortable going to a > Pediatric Neurologist they too can make the diagnosis. It is so hard when kids ask > questions like why doesn't your son talk is he shy? I guess we have to learn > to celebrate the good days and the progress our children have made. I still > am very pained about the whole thing, myself. I know my son has so much going > on in his mind if he could just get it out, I pray and firmly believe with > all the help he is getting he will talk. It is hard when you are going through > this for the first time and don't know where to go for help. It sounds like > you are doing all you can to help your son, that is the most important thing. > Keep your chin up and smile, your little boy is a blessing. No one has any > guarantees about the future for their children, I guess it is just one of > those things we have to let unfold. E mail me off line if you ever have any > questions or just need a little moral support, I know it is hard. Jen > > > > > > Hello. I have been reading all the great info. people have been > > posting and have finally decided to write. My son who is almost 22 > > months old and the most precious little boy.He is not really talking. > > He had alot of ear infections and we thought that when he had tubes > > put in his ears that he would immediatly start since his hearing test > > he passed with flying colors. Well he had tubes put in and he still > > did not start to talk. We started to get real concerned .... So our > > ped. recommended we go to a speech therapist so we did so and she > > reassured us nothing was wrong with him. Keep in mind this is a > > little boy who could hear everything we said follow instructions and > > seemed to get all we were saying. She started to say things to us > > like boy he sure has a temper and if we could get him to listen to > > me. Right away I felt uneasy.... Then she started to say things like > > by the time he is 2 he will be saying atleast 200 words... I > > eventually pulled him out when I found Early steps program. They have > > done wonders with him. He says 3 words now and signs about 40 signs. > > He does not have a bad temper he was just very frustrated he wanted > > to tell us things and could not tell us. Now they are saying that > > they believe that he is leaning towards apraxia..... I have read > > about it and everything I have read says about other delays this and > > that... I am so confused....... This therapy (at home) has done > > wonders for hime. Where as the therapy in a clinic was doing nothing > > for him....... They are actually having to stop the therapy at home. > > So now I have to find a therapist ( at my expense once again) to come > > to the house..... But I am trying to find out some info about apraxia > > from people who have had experiance with it not just from articles > > and research.... How do they test a baby for it.....? What type of > > test do they do? The therapist we have now are trying to set up a > > referrel to go see someone and I want to kinda know what to expect.. > > He gets upset easily and I want to know what to expect so i can be as > > prepared as possible.... Sorry if I am kinda all over the place.... I > > am so so confused and upset... I have cried and cried so much over > > this.... It seems that everything is just so overwhelming when it > > hits you all at one time... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 ---Hello.... He is not diagnosed yet.... The therspy at home seemed to have been more intense and I was also involved in the therapy in the clinic that we were going to and many of the clinics I have checked into you are only allowed to go into the session 1 time with them then they go back by thereself which I am sure does work but I think it works for some and not for others my son for some reason does not want to leave my side he does not do well with stranger and for that fact children his own age.... I hope he is a late talker...If not though I know he has to deal with that... The clinic we were going to I must agree was not for him. He is also more comfortable in his own surronding which I am sure many children are and has seemed to do better with more intense therapy which he is recieving from early steps intervention. I am in Florida and in our county the program will stop in our county in 2 weeks due to the lack of therapist willing to travel to our county to work with the children... We are looking into have a therapist come into our home which has come recommended by the early steps program ofcourse at our expense...$100.00 for a 30 min session. I will definatly get the late talker book... Thank you very much Rapsodie In , " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...> wrote: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 2, 2008 Report Share Posted July 2, 2008 Re: MRI, depending on why done you may have options. I would at least ask what they are looking for. I asked the metabolic neuro and he said " whatever I am looking for we would just know it was there but could not do anything about it. " With that answer I decided no. Every kid and dr is different though so it is best to ask. > > > > Hello. I have been reading all the great info. people have been > > posting and have finally decided to write. My son who is almost 22 > > months old and the most precious little boy.He is not really > talking. > > He had alot of ear infections and we thought that when he had tubes > > put in his ears that he would immediatly start since his hearing > test > > he passed with flying colors. Well he had tubes put in and he still > > did not start to talk. We started to get real concerned .... So our > > ped. recommended we go to a speech therapist so we did so and she > > reassured us nothing was wrong with him. Keep in mind this is a > > little boy who could hear everything we said follow instructions > and > > seemed to get all we were saying. She started to say things to us > > like boy he sure has a temper and if we could get him to listen to > > me. Right away I felt uneasy.... Then she started to say things > like > > by the time he is 2 he will be saying atleast 200 words... I > > eventually pulled him out when I found Early steps program. They > have > > done wonders with him. He says 3 words now and signs about 40 > signs. > > He does not have a bad temper he was just very frustrated he wanted > > to tell us things and could not tell us. Now they are saying that > > they believe that he is leaning towards apraxia..... I have read > > about it and everything I have read says about other delays this > and > > that... I am so confused....... This therapy (at home) has done > > wonders for hime. Where as the therapy in a clinic was doing > nothing > > for him....... They are actually having to stop the therapy at > home. > > So now I have to find a therapist ( at my expense once again) to > come > > to the house..... But I am trying to find out some info about > apraxia > > from people who have had experiance with it not just from articles > > and research.... How do they test a baby for it.....? What type of > > test do they do? The therapist we have now are trying to set up a > > referrel to go see someone and I want to kinda know what to > expect.. > > He gets upset easily and I want to know what to expect so i can be > as > > prepared as possible.... Sorry if I am kinda all over the place.... > I > > am so so confused and upset... I have cried and cried so much over > > this.... It seems that everything is just so overwhelming when it > > hits you all at one time... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 I thought 50 words by 2? That is what the doc said. Uggh! > > It's not that the therapy at home is always better than the therapy > at the clinic -it depends on the therapist. Sounds like the one you > had at the clinic lucked out in odds to keep her job since 75% of > late talkers are just that -children that speak a bit late with or > without therapy. The fact that she promised you that " by 2 he'll be > up to 200 words " was probably just one of many clues. 75% of the > time she was correct! > > But why am I also falling into the trap of assuming there is a > diagnosis? Your child is only 22 months old and it's still possible > he's part of the 75% group! It's possible the therapist leaning > towards an apraxia diagnosis is wrong. If you listen to some of the > apraxia " experts " out there they'll tell you apraxia can't even be > diagnosed until 3 years old. Of course in this group we know that's > not true but the point is there are specific things to look for. If > your child is delayed in speech then speech therapy (with a good > therapist) will help -can't hurt...but if it's apraxia you want to > know so your child can get the appropriate more intensive therapies > early. > > Have you read The Late Talker book? It may help you either way. > > An apraxia diagnosis not as dismal as you may believe. The > overwhelming majority over the years here have children that are > diagnosed with apraxia at some point from two years old to even as > late as nine years old and learn to be verbal communicators > mainstreamed in school and life. Then there's the whole other large > and growing group of apraxic children who are misdiagnosed as > autistic who don't end up with the right therapy for months or years > and remain nonverbal until they end up getting the right diagnosis > and overcome. If apraxia is suspected you probably want to go for a > second opinion with another SLP -and you probably want to also take > your child to a knowledgeable neurodevelopmental pediatrician or > pediatric neurologist which I have more on below. Don't let that > overwhelm you -the next therapist or the neuroMD may say they don't > see any signs of anything other than a simple delay in speech. Even > without a diagnosis of course if your child is delayed a certain > percentage he should be qualified for Early Intervention through your > state. Or are you outside the US? > > You don't mention any signs other than the not talking yet so after > reading through some of the following let us know if there are any > other signs. It's OK to cry -we all do when we first hear a " leaning > towards " diagnosis (or months later when it really hits us) but the > good news is that the chances are that like most of us you'll find > yourself shocked to be telling your child to " stop talking so much > and get ready " because you are in a rush to get them to school or > whatever! > > To listen to various children with apraxia at various ages you can go > to Bilker's talking page which was inspired by his son > who is now a teenager. My son Tanner who just turned 12 is also on > this page as well as Khalid who is twenty something now! It seems we > now have more parents of teens with apraxia in this group than ever > before as this group has been around for close to 9 years now! > http://www.debtsmart.net/talk/index.html > > > Below is a very long archive on just about all you need to know to > get your child from 0 to 60 mph in speech. (including info about > fish oils!) > > > Re: Hi! New and wondering about apraxia. > > > Hi Mrs Laurie and welcome! > > Your son sounds like he has some oral apraxia which would of course > need to be confirmed by professionals. If oral apraxia is present > together with your child's delay he should at least be diagnosed > as " suspected apraxia " and appropriate therapy should be provided. > He is entitled by federal law to a free and appropriate public > education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) which > means that if 5 days of one on one speech therapy is appropriate for > him then that's what he should receive. What type of speech therapy > is he receiving from the school right now when you say " some " ? > > Below is a very long archive to help -please know that you don't have > to understand it all at once -we're here as a group to help! > > Thanks for sharing. This group has from the start been a group > that's made up of parents and professionals who care for children > with many types of speech and/or language delays and/or disorders. > There are parents here for example with undiagnosed " late talkers " > and we just have not heard from them in awhile. It's actually a > really good thing when there is a mix of us to share because we all > learn from each other as many diagnoses can overlap -or down the road > we learn that our child does have co diagnosis. > > While this group is open to parents of all children with > communication impairments -including hearing impaired, autistic etc. > it wasn't that all that posted recently had a child with autism, or > autism and apraxia -but because of society focus on autism -many here > started following an autism approach -including ABA in some cases! > That's understandable if the much more basic approach to apraxia -ST > and OT and EFAs were tried first and didn't work -but some were > trying that to start. > > The overwhelming majority (if you check the archives) have success > with the basic approach to apraxia. > > On the other hand- most of us are dealing with more than verbal > apraxia.we just don't know that when our child is 2 -and we learn > through professionals and observations as they continue to grow and > more and more is expected of them. This is also why it's important > to take your child for a neurodevelopmental medical exam when your > child is suspected of apraxia to confirm or rule out other diagnosis > such as sensory integration dysfunction etc. The earlier you know - > the sooner to start appropriate therapies to get them up to speed by > kindergarten. > > Don't let it overwhelm you -perhaps we aren't meant to know more > than what we have to know at each stage. We'll be here to help along > the way. It's OK to have any type of emotion when we find out our > child has more than a simple delay -or " more " than " just " verbal > apraxia. And it's OK to be completely overwhelmed and saddened to > find out your child has apraxia. And as I was one of those parents > it's never " just " apraxia when you find out!!! > > It's OK to be upset " just " because your child is a " late talker " too! > > Please know that I too believed Tanner to just have apraxia and have > my first message posted to a grouplist about that below.but down the > road found out he had a few other things we needed to help him > address. The incredible news is that the majority of our children if > you check history are up to speed to be mainstreamed by kindergarten- > and of course many have learned with communication impaired children > that it's best to start kindergarten at 6 vs. 5 to give them that one > extra year of therapy and developmental time. > > If you have questions after reading the following please share them. > This group has always been a wealth of information for all of us, no > matter how long we've been here. > > Below is a new member archived message to hopefully answer more of > your questions for now (did you read The Late Talker yet?) For updated > information on fish oils and vitamin E and more - please visit the > links section here > /links > > What type of apraxic like speech behaviors are you seeing that makes > you and the SLP suspect your child has apraxia vs. a simple delay in > speech? Is your child talking at all yet? At your child's age - > without speech, it's difficult to diagnose verbal apraxia -they > could " suspect " verbal apraxia and begin treatment just in case, > which wouldn't hurt your child if he ended up just having a simple > delay. Just a few questions before we could provide more accurate > answers: > > Does your child have signs of oral apraxia? (for example, can he on > command smile, imitate funny faces, blow bubbles...if you put peanut > butter anywhere around his mouth can he lick it off no matter where > it is?) > http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/oralapraxia.html > > Does your child have any neurological " soft signs " such as hypotonia > or sensory integration dysfunction? > http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/parentfriendlysoftsig ns.html > > Who else evaluated your child? Was it only the SLP through your > town school or was he also in Early Intervention through the state? > (birth to three) Was he evaluated by both a speech pathologist as > well as an occupational therapist? Was/were they knowledgeable > about apraxia? (If your child wasn't diagnosed by an occupational > therapist as well and professionals suspect apraxia -I highly > recommend you request that too either through both the school as > well as private through insurance for many reasons) > > To answer any questions you may have about taking your child to see a > neurodevelopmental MD if he has not yet been to one and apraxia is > suspected... in one word - " Yes!!! " I would have your child diagnosed > (private) by a neurodevelopmental medical doctor (developmental > pediatrician or pediatric neurologist) who is knowledgeable about > apraxia and other neurologically based multi-faceted communication > impairments for numerous reasons. Reasons include (but not limited > to) > > *having a " hero " on the outside of the school who can assist in a > therapeutic plan and oversee your child's development over the years > *advocacy support with the insurance company > * ruling out or confirming any neurological soft signs or any other > reasons for the delay in speech > *help those that ask " why isn't he talking yet " understand this is a > medical condition -and has nothing to do with your child's cognitive > ability. (if in your child's case it doesn't. Apraxia in itself > does not affect a child's cognitive ability -and speaking early or > late is no indication of a child's intelligence. Also contrary to > popular belief -most who have speech impairments have average to > above average intelligence) > > Here's an article written by Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr. > Marilyn Agin that was featured as a cover article in Contemporary > Pediatrics -a trade magazine for hundreds of thousands of pediatric > medical professionals across the US. (I wrote the parent guide) > > " The " late talker " -when silence isn't golden > Not all children with delayed speech are " little Einsteins " or garden > variety " late bloomers. " Some have a speech-language disorder that > will persist unless warning signs are recognized and intervention > comes early. Includes a Guide for Parents. " > > Podcast interview with Dr. Marilyn Agin from Contemporary Pediatrics > http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/radio_peds4 > > Actual article (where you can read it for free) > > http://drgreene.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx? P=Content & ArticleID=132720 > or > http://opsc.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx? P=Content & ArticleID=132720 > > My parent guide still works (for free) > http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/contpeds/data/articlestandard/co ntpeds/492004/136315/article.pdf > > > I would also have at least one private " out of pocket " (if possible) > exam with a knowledgeable speech pathologist as well. This SLP can > coordinate with your child's MD, and school therapist and other > professionals, and again be there to assist in a therapeutic plan, > help set goals and oversee your child's development over the years > if needed. > > Networking with parents of other speech-impaired children is also > possibly one of the best moves you could make in your child's > recovery. Others will steer you to the " right " professionals and > programs in your area -and you won't feel so alone. I would HIGHLY > recommend joining a whose goal is to unite parents and > professionals. This group > / is through CHERAB > http://www.cherab.org > > The speechville website also has message boards so that you can talk > to other parents on particular topics. > http://www.speech-express.com/boards/ > > Check your state resources at Speechville to find local support > groups and resources. > http://www.speech-express.com/regional-resources.html > http://www.speech-express.com/communication-station/regional- support-groups.html > (BTW -for anyone who is either running or starting a support group - > due to The Late Talker book and the many who will see your group, > please make sure your info is up at this website and accurate) > > For all your other questions including what type of testing -just > read " The Late Talker " . (Nike said 'Just Do It!' -I say 'Just Read > It!') At Amazon.com you can even start today and read sample pages > of the book online! > > " The first book to show parents how to tell whether a child has a > speech delay -or a more serious speech disorder > > Every parent eagerly awaits the day his or her child will speak for > the fist time. For millions of mothers and fathers, however, > anticipation > turns to anxiety when those initial, all-important words are a long > time > coming. Many worried parents are reassured that their child is " just > a late > talker, " but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Co-author > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 - I know I responded 1 time already to this but this sure was alot of info to read so I read it again.... I looked over some of the signs of apraxia that were listed the things that my son meet were only little to no babbling, frustration and solid food transition which he is still having a hard time with... I am not sure if I had wrote in my letter before which I do not know if this has anything to do with him maybe not talking but he had a little rough start to his entrance in this world..... He has ( still has but minimal problems with now) GERD and Laryngomalacia. I brought that up today in the therapy session and they kinda looked at me crazy... Have you ever heard of this delaying there speech? You sure have a lot of information to share I definatly appreciate it.... -- In , " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...> wrote: > > It's not that the therapy at home is always better than the therapy > at the clinic -it depends on the therapist. Sounds like the one you > had at the clinic lucked out in odds to keep her job since 75% of > late talkers are just that -children that speak a bit late with or > without therapy. The fact that she promised you that " by 2 he'll be > up to 200 words " was probably just one of many clues. 75% of the > time she was correct! > > But why am I also falling into the trap of assuming there is a > diagnosis? Your child is only 22 months old and it's still possible > he's part of the 75% group! It's possible the therapist leaning > towards an apraxia diagnosis is wrong. If you listen to some of the > apraxia " experts " out there they'll tell you apraxia can't even be > diagnosed until 3 years old. Of course in this group we know that's > not true but the point is there are specific things to look for. If > your child is delayed in speech then speech therapy (with a good > therapist) will help -can't hurt...but if it's apraxia you want to > know so your child can get the appropriate more intensive therapies > early. > > Have you read The Late Talker book? It may help you either way. > > An apraxia diagnosis not as dismal as you may believe. The > overwhelming majority over the years here have children that are > diagnosed with apraxia at some point from two years old to even as > late as nine years old and learn to be verbal communicators > mainstreamed in school and life. Then there's the whole other large > and growing group of apraxic children who are misdiagnosed as > autistic who don't end up with the right therapy for months or years > and remain nonverbal until they end up getting the right diagnosis > and overcome. If apraxia is suspected you probably want to go for a > second opinion with another SLP -and you probably want to also take > your child to a knowledgeable neurodevelopmental pediatrician or > pediatric neurologist which I have more on below. Don't let that > overwhelm you -the next therapist or the neuroMD may say they don't > see any signs of anything other than a simple delay in speech. Even > without a diagnosis of course if your child is delayed a certain > percentage he should be qualified for Early Intervention through your > state. Or are you outside the US? > > You don't mention any signs other than the not talking yet so after > reading through some of the following let us know if there are any > other signs. It's OK to cry -we all do when we first hear a " leaning > towards " diagnosis (or months later when it really hits us) but the > good news is that the chances are that like most of us you'll find > yourself shocked to be telling your child to " stop talking so much > and get ready " because you are in a rush to get them to school or > whatever! > > To listen to various children with apraxia at various ages you can go > to Bilker's talking page which was inspired by his son > who is now a teenager. My son Tanner who just turned 12 is also on > this page as well as Khalid who is twenty something now! It seems we > now have more parents of teens with apraxia in this group than ever > before as this group has been around for close to 9 years now! > http://www.debtsmart.net/talk/index.html > > > Below is a very long archive on just about all you need to know to > get your child from 0 to 60 mph in speech. (including info about > fish oils!) > > > Re: Hi! New and wondering about apraxia. > > > Hi Mrs Laurie and welcome! > > Your son sounds like he has some oral apraxia which would of course > need to be confirmed by professionals. If oral apraxia is present > together with your child's delay he should at least be diagnosed > as " suspected apraxia " and appropriate therapy should be provided. > He is entitled by federal law to a free and appropriate public > education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) which > means that if 5 days of one on one speech therapy is appropriate for > him then that's what he should receive. What type of speech therapy > is he receiving from the school right now when you say " some " ? > > Below is a very long archive to help -please know that you don't have > to understand it all at once -we're here as a group to help! > > Thanks for sharing. This group has from the start been a group > that's made up of parents and professionals who care for children > with many types of speech and/or language delays and/or disorders. > There are parents here for example with undiagnosed " late talkers " > and we just have not heard from them in awhile. It's actually a > really good thing when there is a mix of us to share because we all > learn from each other as many diagnoses can overlap -or down the road > we learn that our child does have co diagnosis. > > While this group is open to parents of all children with > communication impairments -including hearing impaired, autistic etc. > it wasn't that all that posted recently had a child with autism, or > autism and apraxia -but because of society focus on autism -many here > started following an autism approach -including ABA in some cases! > That's understandable if the much more basic approach to apraxia -ST > and OT and EFAs were tried first and didn't work -but some were > trying that to start. > > The overwhelming majority (if you check the archives) have success > with the basic approach to apraxia. > > On the other hand- most of us are dealing with more than verbal > apraxia.we just don't know that when our child is 2 -and we learn > through professionals and observations as they continue to grow and > more and more is expected of them. This is also why it's important > to take your child for a neurodevelopmental medical exam when your > child is suspected of apraxia to confirm or rule out other diagnosis > such as sensory integration dysfunction etc. The earlier you know - > the sooner to start appropriate therapies to get them up to speed by > kindergarten. > > Don't let it overwhelm you -perhaps we aren't meant to know more > than what we have to know at each stage. We'll be here to help along > the way. It's OK to have any type of emotion when we find out our > child has more than a simple delay -or " more " than " just " verbal > apraxia. And it's OK to be completely overwhelmed and saddened to > find out your child has apraxia. And as I was one of those parents > it's never " just " apraxia when you find out!!! > > It's OK to be upset " just " because your child is a " late talker " too! > > Please know that I too believed Tanner to just have apraxia and have > my first message posted to a grouplist about that below.but down the > road found out he had a few other things we needed to help him > address. The incredible news is that the majority of our children if > you check history are up to speed to be mainstreamed by kindergarten- > and of course many have learned with communication impaired children > that it's best to start kindergarten at 6 vs. 5 to give them that one > extra year of therapy and developmental time. > > If you have questions after reading the following please share them. > This group has always been a wealth of information for all of us, no > matter how long we've been here. > > Below is a new member archived message to hopefully answer more of > your questions for now (did you read The Late Talker yet?) For updated > information on fish oils and vitamin E and more - please visit the > links section here > /links > > What type of apraxic like speech behaviors are you seeing that makes > you and the SLP suspect your child has apraxia vs. a simple delay in > speech? Is your child talking at all yet? At your child's age - > without speech, it's difficult to diagnose verbal apraxia -they > could " suspect " verbal apraxia and begin treatment just in case, > which wouldn't hurt your child if he ended up just having a simple > delay. Just a few questions before we could provide more accurate > answers: > > Does your child have signs of oral apraxia? (for example, can he on > command smile, imitate funny faces, blow bubbles...if you put peanut > butter anywhere around his mouth can he lick it off no matter where > it is?) > http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/oralapraxia.html > > Does your child have any neurological " soft signs " such as hypotonia > or sensory integration dysfunction? > http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/parentfriendlysoftsig ns.html > > Who else evaluated your child? Was it only the SLP through your > town school or was he also in Early Intervention through the state? > (birth to three) Was he evaluated by both a speech pathologist as > well as an occupational therapist? Was/were they knowledgeable > about apraxia? (If your child wasn't diagnosed by an occupational > therapist as well and professionals suspect apraxia -I highly > recommend you request that too either through both the school as > well as private through insurance for many reasons) > > To answer any questions you may have about taking your child to see a > neurodevelopmental MD if he has not yet been to one and apraxia is > suspected... in one word - " Yes!!! " I would have your child diagnosed > (private) by a neurodevelopmental medical doctor (developmental > pediatrician or pediatric neurologist) who is knowledgeable about > apraxia and other neurologically based multi-faceted communication > impairments for numerous reasons. Reasons include (but not limited > to) > > *having a " hero " on the outside of the school who can assist in a > therapeutic plan and oversee your child's development over the years > *advocacy support with the insurance company > * ruling out or confirming any neurological soft signs or any other > reasons for the delay in speech > *help those that ask " why isn't he talking yet " understand this is a > medical condition -and has nothing to do with your child's cognitive > ability. (if in your child's case it doesn't. Apraxia in itself > does not affect a child's cognitive ability -and speaking early or > late is no indication of a child's intelligence. Also contrary to > popular belief -most who have speech impairments have average to > above average intelligence) > > Here's an article written by Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr. > Marilyn Agin that was featured as a cover article in Contemporary > Pediatrics -a trade magazine for hundreds of thousands of pediatric > medical professionals across the US. (I wrote the parent guide) > > " The " late talker " -when silence isn't golden > Not all children with delayed speech are " little Einsteins " or garden > variety " late bloomers. " Some have a speech-language disorder that > will persist unless warning signs are recognized and intervention > comes early. Includes a Guide for Parents. " > > Podcast interview with Dr. Marilyn Agin from Contemporary Pediatrics > http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/radio_peds4 > > Actual article (where you can read it for free) > > http://drgreene.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx? P=Content & ArticleID=132720 > or > http://opsc.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx? P=Content & ArticleID=132720 > > My parent guide still works (for free) > http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/contpeds/data/articlestandard/co ntpeds/492004/136315/article.pdf > > > I would also have at least one private " out of pocket " (if possible) > exam with a knowledgeable speech pathologist as well. This SLP can > coordinate with your child's MD, and school therapist and other > professionals, and again be there to assist in a therapeutic plan, > help set goals and oversee your child's development over the years > if needed. > > Networking with parents of other speech-impaired children is also > possibly one of the best moves you could make in your child's > recovery. Others will steer you to the " right " professionals and > programs in your area -and you won't feel so alone. I would HIGHLY > recommend joining a whose goal is to unite parents and > professionals. This group > / is through CHERAB > http://www.cherab.org > > The speechville website also has message boards so that you can talk > to other parents on particular topics. > http://www.speech-express.com/boards/ > > Check your state resources at Speechville to find local support > groups and resources. > http://www.speech-express.com/regional-resources.html > http://www.speech-express.com/communication-station/regional- support-groups.html > (BTW -for anyone who is either running or starting a support group - > due to The Late Talker book and the many who will see your group, > please make sure your info is up at this website and accurate) > > For all your other questions including what type of testing -just > read " The Late Talker " . (Nike said 'Just Do It!' -I say 'Just Read > It!') At Amazon.com you can even start today and read sample pages > of the book online! > > " The first book to show parents how to tell whether a child has a > speech delay -or a more serious speech disorder > > Every parent eagerly awaits the day his or her child will speak for > the fist time. For millions of mothers and fathers, however, > anticipation > turns to anxiety when those initial, all-important words are a long > time > coming. Many worried parents are reassured that their child is " just > a late > talker, " but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Co-author > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 http://childrensspecialists.com/body.cfm?id=464 Bottom line in my book is that with my kid, the acid reflux made it hard to talk as did the laryngomalacia...who can talk well when you have acid in your throat, are not absorbing enough nutrients, your doctor misses these conditions so your parents have you sleeping (or shall I say screaming) on your back, and to boot your breaathing is labored. Oxygen loss is likely not good for motor planning. The stridors did not leave in our case until we removed an allergen, at age 2 years, 3 months. Never returned after that. Initial speech was breathy and there was difficulty with hard consonants. I need that was I knee hat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 --- Devin has outgrew the GERD to an extent but still has some issues with it. We thought when he became mobile he would like most children become cured so to speak of it but that did not happen but it did get better... He still takes 2 medicines for it and will eventually be off of those....Thank you for the info. In , " kiddietalk " <kiddietalk@...> wrote: > > Little to no babbling, frustration and solid food transition could be > any number of reasons in a 2 year old. For sure anything with eating > problems should be evaluated by an oral motor specialist. Here's two > pages from my son's one SLP that may help: > http://cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/feeding.html > http://cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/mealtimetips.html > > GERD isn't linked to apraxia but it has come up here a few times as > it's not unusual in children. My nephew had it and outgrew it. > Here's some info on it from the American Academy of Otolaryngology. > http://otolaryngologyheadandnecksurgery.org/KidsENT/GERD.cfm > > Apraxia doesn't seem to be linked to laryngomalacia in any way. In > this group over the close to 10 years and thousands of members there > are only two posts one each by just two members that ever mentioned > laryngomalacia and only one child also had apraxia. The one child that > also has tracheobronchomalacia but without an apraxia diagnosis has > severe asthma, immune deficiency, seasonal and food allergies. That > mom's email address is osdbmom@... and here's and archive from > the parent of the one child with laryngomalacia with apraxia. > > " There were two events in his life that may have contributed to the > apraxia > that I can pinpoint (outside of the fact it may have happened in utero)- > > > 1) He had a bronchoscopy at 5 weeks of age and was diagnosed with > Laryngomalacia (floppy larynx) and had difficulty eating/breathing at > the > same time. He turned blue his first night of life. He supposedly > outgrew it > within a year. > > 2) When he was 18 mos he fell off of a chair at preschool and hit his > head > on the base of a large shade umbrella- stitches on the inside and > outside (24 > total) of his head. We did not do an MRI or CT Scan- also curious if > he was > affected by this injury. > > The wonder will more than likely always be there- but it does not > change the > outcome. All we can do is keep communicating with one another to try > and > help our children become better communicators themselves! Thanks and > good > luck with your research. > > le Roseborough > joelle1017@... > Mom to Tanner, 4 yrs. with Apraxia " > > Best thing to do with a 2 year old late talker is seek evaluations to > find out the best type of therapies (strength, oral motor, motor > planning, sensory etc) and begin that therapy as well as follow through > at home. Keep track of progress and if no progress in 3 months examine > therapy, therapist and/or diagnosis. > > ===== > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 -See I intially thought the same thing but when I have mentioned it to the sppech therapist she says 1 has nothing to do with the other... But I would think it would... But who am I -- In , " ilizzy03 " <lizlaw@...> wrote: > > http://childrensspecialists.com/body.cfm?id=464 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Hi everyone, I read every night, but don't get to post often. I need some guidance on a few things. I've had some really bad days this month, and am trying to climb my way out of the hole I'm in. A little background, my daughter, has hypotonia, CP, Global Delay, and apraxia. She began walking at 22 months, now runs, doesn't jump off the ground yet, can walk the stairs. She wears dafos, but now going to a leg brace and theratogs. Today, we found out she needs glasses. She says only a few words like Hi (all the time), da da, Allie (her sister) Ollie (the dog), wa wa, bra bra (grandma), mmm (mom), and home. Her signing and gross motor imitation is getting a lot faster. She can tell me what she wants to eat with signs. I am really lost when it comes to preschool. She has been in the EI 0-3 program since she was 5 months old. My husband and I have had to fight for all of her services. It is now time to do a transition plan for preschool. We've dealt with many rude comments like " The gap is just going to keep getting bigger, and I'll shake 's dry hand (from one of her teachers.) This makes me sick to my stomach- I am a teacher myself. I really feel that the teachers are trying to get rid of us because we are such a pain. They want to send to a neighboring district CI program, but won't come out and say it. We are not getting a cognitive test done yet, because it is way to early in our minds. I need to know what kind of services other children delayed like receiving from their districts. Right now, she receives 2 group speech (a waste of time, but we call it school), 1 Ot and Pt every other week, and 1 private speech a week. We has asked for an extension for our meeting because I want to go in with data. I am also waiting for someone from the county to come out and evaluate to see if an augmentative? device would benefit her. We do private therapy at the Kaufman Center 3 times a week on our own. She also does horse. I am really struggling as a mom to and my typical children, a woman, a wife, and a full time teacher. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day. Sorry, I'm really emotional. I really need to know how others balance it all out and feel like they are doing as much as they can for their children. I have become obsessed over the last 2.5 years with helping . One last question, I am at a loss for potty training . She will sit on the potty make grunting noises, but nothing. She has gone 7 times, but I think I just timed it right. I know the sign for #2, but not for #1. I don't know what to do. I am so sorry, I am just so down feeling like I should do and know more to help . Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you, Sandy www.nataliehopesjourney@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Hi,  I live in NY and my daughter has CP and is much more severely affected than your daughter is. She walks with a walker and uses a communication device for speech and computer access. She will be 8 years old next month.   For PreK, she went to a 'regular' private preK where she was the only child with any disability, and the only one recieving therapy. She got Speech 45minutes, 3x/wk, PT 45mins, 3x/wk., OT 30mins, 3x/wk., and a SEIT 60 mins, 3x/wk. All of her therapists saw her at school twice a week and came to our home once a week.  I would definitely push for an Aug Comm Eval and maybe see about getting it done privately if necessary. She will need to communicate with people who don't know sign language and even if she continues to progress with speech, she may need it to clarify her speech as time goes by. I don't think a device is an ' alternative therapy', but a necessity to help with communication and education. My daughter has begun speaking in complete sentences over the past year or so, and is still very hard to understand. She uses her device at school to clarify her thoughts, and to do all her schoolwork. She is in a regular classroom in the public school with an aide and a SPED teacher who helps with modifying the work. She is doing really well, reading at grade level and keeping up with her class.     Many people, teachers included, will assume that if someone can't speak, that they don't understand. Sad, but true. I agree with 's suggestion to get a receptive eval done and show them what she understands. She sounds like she is doing very well and her disabilities should be accomodated so she can continue to progress. She needs supports, so you know she needs to have some delay to recieve them. the key to getting the right kind of help is haveing someone who understands speech delays to do the testing , as said. We had to have an Educational Eval done at age 3 when we entered the school district. That eval is what led to having a SEIT for preK. I'm not sure if it is the same in all states, but you may have to have this eval done too. It is not an IQ test, but shows whether she is prepared to go  into  the regular ed program without any support. So a poor eval may actually help you to get more services.    At the preK level, I would place her privately if there is no appropriate placement for her in the public school. Get her services at the private school or take her to the public school for services only.  I hope this is helpful.                                                                             From: Jake Groups <jtanana3_groups@...> Subject: [ ] need some guidance hypotoniahope , , OurSpecialNeedsChildren Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 10:57 PM Hi everyone, I read every night, but don't get to post often. I need some guidance on a few things. I've had some really bad days this month, and am trying to climb my way out of the hole I'm in. A little background, my daughter, has hypotonia, CP, Global Delay, and apraxia. She began walking at 22 months, now runs, doesn't jump off the ground yet, can walk the stairs. She wears dafos, but now going to a leg brace and theratogs. Today, we found out she needs glasses. She says only a few words like Hi (all the time), da da, Allie (her sister) Ollie (the dog), wa wa, bra bra (grandma), mmm (mom), and home. Her signing and gross motor imitation is getting a lot faster. She can tell me what she wants to eat with signs. I am really lost when it comes to preschool. She has been in the EI 0-3 program since she was 5 months old. My husband and I have had to fight for all of her services. It is now time to do a transition plan for preschool. We've dealt with many rude comments like " The gap is just going to keep getting bigger, and I'll shake 's dry hand (from one of her teachers.) This makes me sick to my stomach- I am a teacher myself. I really feel that the teachers are trying to get rid of us because we are such a pain. They want to send to a neighboring district CI program, but won't come out and say it. We are not getting a cognitive test done yet, because it is way to early in our minds. I need to know what kind of services other children delayed like receiving from their districts. Right now, she receives 2 group speech (a waste of time, but we call it school), 1 Ot and Pt every other week, and 1 private speech a week. We has asked for an extension for our meeting because I want to go in with data. I am also waiting for someone from the county to come out and evaluate to see if an augmentative? device would benefit her. We do private therapy at the Kaufman Center 3 times a week on our own. She also does horse. I am really struggling as a mom to and my typical children, a woman, a wife, and a full time teacher. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day. Sorry, I'm really emotional. I really need to know how others balance it all out and feel like they are doing as much as they can for their children. I have become obsessed over the last 2.5 years with helping . One last question, I am at a loss for potty training . She will sit on the potty make grunting noises, but nothing. She has gone 7 times, but I think I just timed it right. I know the sign for #2, but not for #1. I don't know what to do. I am so sorry, I am just so down feeling like I should do and know more to help . Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you, Sandy www.nataliehopesjou rney (DOT) com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 Nelia,  I too am dealing with lousy test results right now. As a matter of fact, I had to take a daggon day off from work last night to get a hold of myself. My son will be 4 in September and just ranked in the 1st percentile on the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation. The 1st....after 100 hours of speech therapy a week. After PROMPT and Kaufman therapies. After fish oils. After working with him at home. After Early Intervention and a Special Needs Preschool and an IEP. The 1st. It's devastating. That said, after wallowing in a glass of wine last night, and reading his test results over and over and over again - I am hitting the ground running today. What can we do to improve his language and articulation? What is the best course of action? What's next? Should we add another session of therapy a week? Should be consider seeing a pediatric neurologist?  These are all the questions I hope to ask his SLP today because as soon as her office opens, I am calling to see if she can meet with me - sans kids - so I can get a better idea of what's next and what these test scores actually mean.  Dealing with 's apraxia has been one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. And I know it's even harder for him. That's what I keep reminding myself every single day. Every day that passes - we are one step closer to kindergarten. So if I can just pull it together that day, and try and help him through this challenge he has been faced with, then maybe, just maybe, he will overcome this.  Shelving my grief and exhaustion and putting my job on the back burner has been anything less than easy, but totally necessary for him.  My advice on test results is to embrace them and use them as a map to help you figure out how you can best help your daughter. Test results ARE SCARY. A fear we must face so that we might unlock the underlying cause of the problem - and then treat it appropriately. It's 6:28am here in Columbus, OH....time to start the day.  Good luck to you  Gretchen From: nelianoonsi <nelia_nunes@...> Subject: [ ] need some guidance Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 2:32 PM My daughter is 2-3/4- she'll turn 3 in October. She has global developmental delays, dyspraxia, and sensory processing issues. She has significant delays- she is walking, climbing, has a good pincer grasp, is very vocal (she has a lot to " say " ), but isn't saying more than a few true words. She has said about 50 words total in her lifetime, but they come and then go. Sometimes they come back, sometimes they are said once or twice and never heard again. Her receptive language is delayed, as is her cognitive development and her self help skills. She definitely doesn't " get " as much as kids her age. The Bayley Scales test that she took about 6 months ago rated her cognitive level as a 55. I literally cried every day for a month and a half. The worst part is that ever since then every day the words " mentally retarded " enter my mind.   I hate it- I am want to see her for HER, and not a label. She's such a wonderful and happy little girl. I know that there were some things that she does get that she didn't show... for example, she didn't pull the towel off of the toy to get it. I know she has that skill, we do it at home all of the time. But she just wasn't interested. Nonetheless, I know that even if she had showed all of the skills that she has, that she still would have scored very low. Next month we're going to see a neuropsych again, to get some recommendations on how to help her moving forward, as she is going to enter the school district in a few months. I am DREADING it. I know how depressed I was last time and I know what I am in for. Did anyone out there have a child this severely delayed at this age? Any tips for helping me deal with the test results? I want to look at my little girl and see all of her strengths.. that I know that will be taken away for a bit is sad to me and I am looking for guidance. Thank you! Nelia ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 Nelia, First of all......take some deep breaths. This journey sometimes runs the gamut for us in regards to emotions.Thats ok. We get depressed, sad, angry, mad and everything in between. I know exactly the feelings that seem to totally overwhelm us. You can get through this one day at a time. My son only spoke his first word at 4.5 years old. so ya, i get it. Just remember as well, that when our kids are tested they always seem to do less that we know they can do. Double edged sword that one. We need help for our kids, so sometimes when they're testing on an " off " day that gets us in the door for the help we need. On the other hand, we hate seeing our kids struggle. I've tried to stop comparing my son to other children, it puts me in a place where i don't want to be. all i do now is marvel at the progress he's made, and feel pride when others tell me how far he's come. We celebrate every gain he makes and we see now how truly amazing he is to be able to get through his day with smiles and grace. I was terrified when my son started school. How was he going to do it when he had no words, will he be safe? He surprised us all(as usual) and absolutely loves school. Was it a struggle for me? yes, i learned very quickly to channel my emotions into helping advocate for my son. anger came in very handy sometimes!! Most times though calm logic works best. You can do this. You are her advocate and champion. You will celebrate her gains more than mothers of " typical " children will. Take time to acknowlege your feelings and fears, they're normal. But you will surprise yourself with how well you will advocate for your daughter. be well, sandy mom to 9 years old(10 next month!) ________________________________ From: nelianoonsi <nelia_nunes@...> Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 2:32:19 PM Subject: [ ] need some guidance My daughter is 2-3/4- she'll turn 3 in October. She has global developmental delays, dyspraxia, and sensory processing issues. She has significant delays- she is walking, climbing, has a good pincer grasp, is very vocal (she has a lot to " say " ), but isn't saying more than a few true words. She has said about 50 words total in her lifetime, but they come and then go. Sometimes they come back, sometimes they are said once or twice and never heard again. Her receptive language is delayed, as is her cognitive development and her self help skills. She definitely doesn't " get " as much as kids her age. The Bayley Scales test that she took about 6 months ago rated her cognitive level as a 55. I literally cried every day for a month and a half. The worst part is that ever since then every day the words " mentally retarded " enter my mind. I hate it- I am want to see her for HER, and not a label. She's such a wonderful and happy little girl. I know that there were some things that she does get that she didn't show... for example, she didn't pull the towel off of the toy to get it. I know she has that skill, we do it at home all of the time. But she just wasn't interested. Nonetheless, I know that even if she had showed all of the skills that she has, that she still would have scored very low. Next month we're going to see a neuropsych again, to get some recommendations on how to help her moving forward, as she is going to enter the school district in a few months. I am DREADING it. I know how depressed I was last time and I know what I am in for. Did anyone out there have a child this severely delayed at this age? Any tips for helping me deal with the test results? I want to look at my little girl and see all of her strengths.. that I know that will be taken away for a bit is sad to me and I am looking for guidance. Thank you! Nelia __________________________________________________________________ Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 Hi Nelia, First of all take a deep breath............. Now, you said your daughter was tested 6 months ago, so that puts her just over 2 years old. Any good psychologist will tell you, it is VERY had to get accurate test results on someone that young. Like you said, toddlers are on their own time schedule. They do things when THEY want, not when the person assessing them wants!! Also throw in significant expressive delays and sensory issues...it makes testing them THAT much harder!! Just keep up with the therapy from early intervention. Start preparing yourself for school district placement (if you go that route) and try to get as much therapy from them as possible. The school district will also do their own assessments. See if your early intervention will have an OT assess her (if you haven't already). They will help with any fine motor delays (even though you said she has a good pincher grasp, maybe she has other delays) and sensory processing issues. Sensory issues can really make " our " kids delays look worse (if that makes sense??). Hang in there! and TRY to do something nice for yourself. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. I know if I didn't go to my occasional yoga class and have a good glass of red wine, I would probably LOOSE IT!! Good Luck and know you aren't alone :-) Jenna (mom to Larsyn 3.3 yo and Chance almost 6) Orange County, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 Hi Neila, Although my little guy (2.3 years old) doesn't have a global delay, he does very noticeably lag behind his peers in certain areas (speech, gross motor, coordination) and he too has sensory issues. When I first found out about my son's disorder I went through a period of grief and depression that lasted for months. I couldn't help but see how he wasn't doing well at certain things and I worried horribly about the future. I too wanted to see his strengths but was really distracted by the weaknesses. I am now at a point where I feel much better. It helped me to focus on the small victories. It also helped to go to a playgroup setting that had lots of kids of various ages where I didn't really know any of them well so I didn't know their exact ages so couldn't really compare my son to them. It's hard to find out that life is going to be much much different than you expected. But your daughter will have strengths and do things that give you beautiful moments. I'll have to post my story here soon. I've been lurking and learning here for months so I'm due to give an intro. Your post stood out for me though because I know just how sad and worried I felt when I first found out. I wanted to let you know that you can push past that but it will take some time. It's very hard at first. My heart goes out to you. ~Jen > > My daughter is 2-3/4- she'll turn 3 in October. She has global developmental delays, dyspraxia, and sensory processing issues. She has significant delays- she is walking, climbing, has a good pincer grasp, is very vocal (she has a lot to " say " ), but isn't saying more than a few true words. She has said about 50 words total in her lifetime, but they come and then go. Sometimes they come back, sometimes they are said once or twice and never heard again. Her receptive language is delayed, as is her cognitive development and her self help skills. She definitely doesn't " get " as much as kids her age. The Bayley Scales test that she took about 6 months ago rated her cognitive level as a 55. I literally cried every day for a month and a half. The worst part is that ever since then every day the words " mentally retarded " enter my mind. I hate it- I am want to see her for HER, and not a label. She's such a wonderful and happy little girl. I know that there were some things that she does get that she didn't show... for example, she didn't pull the towel off of the toy to get it. I know she has that skill, we do it at home all of the time. But she just wasn't interested. Nonetheless, I know that even if she had showed all of the skills that she has, that she still would have scored very low. > > Next month we're going to see a neuropsych again, to get some recommendations on how to help her moving forward, as she is going to enter the school district in a few months. I am DREADING it. I know how depressed I was last time and I know what I am in for. > > Did anyone out there have a child this severely delayed at this age? Any tips for helping me deal with the test results? I want to look at my little girl and see all of her strengths.. that I know that will be taken away for a bit is sad to me and I am looking for guidance. > > Thank you! > Nelia > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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