IRELAND: I have a child with Speech apraxia

[Guest guest]

Hi Rosemarie and welcome!

About your little guy -are there any dyspraxic tendencies that anyone can see?

What I mean by that would be any motor deficits in the body? What about in

speech -does he ever say something once and then have trouble repeating it -or

doesn't ever say it again? Does he try to say more than one word and break down

and repeat the same sound over and over with the reflection of what he wants to

say? Does it appear that his expressive ability is below his receptive? (the

way you sometimes can tell is that he tries to " talk " to you in nonverbal ways

-with apraxia it can at times be pretty elaborate gesturing going on- and when

you don't understand -or guess more than ___ times he breaks down, gets

frustrated or withdraws)

Your child is a late talker with speech issues and the only thing they'll think

of testing for is autism as if that's the only reason for Early Intervention?

Wow is it so clear that we need awareness for apraxia. But you're in Ireland

-that is why I brought up dyspraxia. Isn't that a condition that professionals

there are more aware of?

I even found this large group for the Dyspraxia Association of Ireland

http://www.dyspraxiaireland.com/

Now I am aware that some of what is considered dyspraxic in other areas I'm not

so much in agreement with...for example some of what they have on this page

would be signs of sensory issues and for sure not all children with

apraxia/dyspraxia have sensory issues

http://www.dyspraxiaireland.com/whatisdyspraxia_recognise.php

And the " Phobias or obsessive behavior and impatient " sure there are some kids

in this group that show that -but there are some in the general population. I

don't agree that's a sign of apraxia/dyspraxia. But in general -you have an

organization that is there in your country clearly aware there are reasons

beyond autism for late speech. I highly recommend support groups in person as

well, especially when you have a little one. You can set up playdates and find

parents that can be like your big brother or sister for advice. You can find

that here too- but the playdate thing probably not so much!

About the therapeutic listening -we found that to be worth exploring too. What

we did is end up buying the headphones and the CDs and it was a bit pricey up

front -especially for those Sennheiser 500A headphones!!! They are super

awesome however - forever -I used them in the plane once more recently as Tanner

hasn't used them in years and I'm serious -they block out everything but the

sound of what you are listening to -awesome! The other thing is if you buy the

headphones and CDs it ends up cheaper in the long run. We bought Tanner this

pouch to carry around his walkman and OMG how cute the little guy looked once

when we were camping and he was walking around with these headphones on his cute

little head. Of course the volume when they are listening to their music is

super soft so that they can still carry on a conversation etc. He also used it

during therapy sessions -pretty much every single one for over a year or more

-can't recall.

What about pediatric neurologists? I'm not really very keen on a psychological

exam for 4 year olds for the reason you gave, well not the reason but the

diagnosis...I mean you pretty much didn't get a diagnosis when you say " result -

severe speech delay and mild global delay " ...(and that's when you say " well yes

that's why I'm here to find out why thank you " ) ...and on a waiting list for an

autism test. Why not? But again is that the only test they can think of, and a

psychologist decides if your child has a neurologically based communication

impairment? It happens here in the US too so don't feel bad -I just totally

don't get it. Oh for sure I'd contact that dyspraxia group if I were you -seems

like your local best bet. Please let me know you have more support there! I

know we have other members. I'm going to put Ireland into the subject and

perhaps they can reach out to help you. Oh and about the mild global delay...in

what area? Did the OT recommend anything? Diagnose anything? Any reason? Your

child is sooooooooo fortunate to have you as his mom -because in spite of it all

it sounds like you are the type to dig and dig to find out how to help your son

-and I love that in you!

As far as nutriiveda and fish oils- yes I'd get the go ahead from a professional

you trust (the rare Paed?? Do you have a nutritionist to ask?). There is

information on fish oils - basic info here

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=115029735601 & topic=7401 and information on

nutriiveda from our http://www.pursuitofresearch.org website as well as that's

the best place now to place orders for anywhere in the world. For international

orders we won't charge anything until we find the best shipping costs and let

you know exactly what they are and only charge you what we are charged. We just

put up an international page for this reason there.

HUGE hugs to you -you are not alone we'll help you! Don't you worry we'll help

you bring your son a smile and a voice!

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