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Mikomi
Phoenix
Joined: Jan 25, 2008
Posts: 785
Location: On top of your TV, lookin' at you funny.
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 Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:31 pm Post subject: SPEECH PROGRESS!!!!! |
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As I've mentioned before, we've had no speech therapy for our 26 month old son since his November diagnosis of Autism and possible Apraxia of Speech. Over the past two months, fed up with the red tape and lack of services, I took it upon myself to to DIY (do it yourself) speech therapy at home. With the help of the internet, books and sign language, my son did something absolutely miraculous this week: he began imitating speech for the first time in his life. I was so happy I felt like shouting it to the world!
I've been using Signing Time DVDs and ASL Pro online for all of our sign language needs, and he is learning FAST. The more he has communicated with signs, the more he has seemed to gain an interest in actual speech. Every day I spend an hour working with him, broken up into 30 minutes in the morning and two 15 minute sessions in the afternoon and shortly before bed. I sign and say the alphabet. I also use foam letters and I pat them and say the name of the letter and ask him to do the same. HE DID!!! This week he had a huge breakthrough with the imitation. It's a lot of work and patience, but wow, the rewards are amazing. Totally worth it!
Just had to share, I'm so excited!!!
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schleppenheimer
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Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 1163
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| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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That's fantastic! Good for you for just going ahead and doing it all yourself ... sometimes that's even better than having a "professional" hep out.
I was under the mistaken impression that if a child was taught sign language, it might actually prevent them from learning to speak. I had a friend where this situation happened. But I've been told since then that your experience is more common.
I hope that this process continues to help your child!
Kris |
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LabPet
alchemist
Joined: Jan 05, 2007
Posts: 2850
Location: Alaska
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| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: |
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Mikomi - very diligent work on your part!
As most know on WP, I rarely speak....maybe (selectively) mute? I mostly just write. At times, I cannot speak at all. So, what you've done means a lot to me, and your son too.
You're a great parent.......(I'm kind of teary right now, but I do not know why). Maybe I wish someone had taken time/effort to help me, even now. I know just a little sign, but most are not familiar anyway, plus I'm really shy.
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same nightmare, different nap
Lab Pet, therapist slayer
Lab Pet's video: Autism is Synonymous with Science: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYelVlA7kDw |
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whatamess
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Joined: Aug 28, 2007
Posts: 532
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| Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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That is just great! My son's speech therapist has helped him greatly, but I too got sick of the redtape and just found a wonderful private one...it's gotten us in alot of debt, but he's doing much better. I might be PMing you later because I homeschool and would love to know more about what you've been doing...He's a lucky child!
LabPet...I didn't know that...Maybe I'll PM you as well...I think some parents really go out of their way to help children, yet they believe the school system and professionals are the only ones who can do this...I've noticed with my son that he is much more verbal when he is happy and comfortable with people...
You have a great idea actually...I don't know your age, but maybe that's something that some of the moms who do help out their kids at home can do with older kids as well...in return, we'd get so much feedback on what works and what doesn't and what you would've liked, since our kids can't always express that to us... |
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kit000003
Deinonychus
Joined: Feb 04, 2008
Age: 24
Posts: 395
Location: Pensacola, FL
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:32 am Post subject: |
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congratulations!!! i always think it is better for the parent to take more of an active role in their child's learning process, and it sounds like you are reaping your rewards.
my mom told me something that i didn't know the other day... i didn't start actually speaking until someone taught me how to sign my name.... so this touches me close to my heart right now..... i don't use sign very much anymore but i still know how to sign my name... |
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nannarob
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Joined: Apr 14, 2007
Posts: 1349
Location: Queensland
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 1:33 am Post subject: |
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I'm teary eyed too. You are a great mum and he is a lucky boy!
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NEVER EVER GIVE UP
I think there must be some chronic learning disability that is so prevalent among NT's that it goes unnoticed by the "experts". Krex
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Mum2ASDboy
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Joined: Jan 28, 2008
Posts: 562
Location: New Zealand
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:30 am Post subject: |
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WAY TO GO MIKOMI!!!!!!! Reading that gave me a big smile 
My son didn't talk much at all till he was about 3.5-4 years. Even now alot of his speech is a bit jumbled but we have gotten to a point where he can talk and I can understand him.
At 26 months you have given him an awesome start.
Keep up the fantastic work and power on and up!!! |
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greendeltatke
Snowy Owl
Joined: May 08, 2006
Posts: 130
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: |
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| Congratulations!! |
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ster
Phoenix
Joined: Sep 24, 2005
Posts: 2727
Location: new england
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| Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:28 am Post subject: |
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| keep up the great work ! |
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Tortuga
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Joined: Dec 12, 2007
Posts: 597
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| Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:06 am Post subject: |
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| I am very happy for you . Hooray!!! |
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Mikomi
Phoenix
Joined: Jan 25, 2008
Posts: 785
Location: On top of your TV, lookin' at you funny.
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:08 am Post subject: |
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Thanks so much everyone! I've been away from the forum here for a few days. We had some appointments this week and I'm still battling bureaucracy to get services. My son continues to improve! He is beginning to randomly repeat things without prompting. We celebrated my husband's birthday this weekend and when we showed him the cake and told him it was daddy's cake, he said "Cake!" clear as day! Tonight he said kitty and cook, both brand new words. He's been repeating words I say too. I'm certain it is an apraxia or word forming issue, because some words he tries to say and they sound nothing like the initial word - or he says them backwards. But this is just huge progress, and I still jump and squeal with delight like a school girl every time he says a new word Now that he realizes he can, he really wants to!
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