Timmy's Triumph

re: Timmy's Triumph

Lois — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:29:55 GMT

Thank you Rita and Angie. That meant so much to me. I didn't realize how long it had been since I checked on here and didn't really expect any reply. You were very encouraging Rita. And I'll try, Angie, but it's when she wants something that is not her favorite that we haven't a clue what she's remembering! I realize music is great and I have a nursery rhyme songbook that I could have sung all morning today had there been time. She was chiming in with the last words. I will try to zero in on something to focus on this summer. It may be building a tower of cups, which we did this morning--making her say "put" "on" "blue" or whatever color, (approximations) and then she was delighted to put the doggie on top and knock it down and that was all the reward she needed. :)

re: Timmy's Triumph

Rita — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:07:05 GMT

Hello Lois. One thing I have learned after 30+ years of working with "speech only" students at the preschool level, is the importance of "Mr. Development" knocking at the door. Don't worry too much about drilling your little Ashley over the summer. Consult her SLP and choose ONE thing to concentrate on. I look at myself and other SLP's as facilitators helping parents do this so that they do not feel overwhelmed. I do not mean to devalue what we do, but Mr. D. can work miracles with our help and yours.

re: Timmy's Triumph

Angie — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:17:26 GMT

Lois - maybe you could try making a selection of pictures to represent her favorite song then let her point to the picture instead of relying completely on her speech. She can still say the name, but with you knowing what song it is you can help her say it and eliminate frustration. Good luck! Sounds like you're doing a great job!

re: Timmy's Triumph

Pete Mickelson — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:30:48 GMT

Hi! Wonderful story! A quick question: did you try HearFones with Tim? Why I ask is that I assume he was tested for hearing when he had his tubes installed, and passed. So he is a bit late in learning articulation, and (maybe) a little behind in listening skills -- especially in hearing himself! He could perhaps benefit from the better auditory feedback while he plays with his skills as he builds them. Your thoughts?

re: Timmy's Triumph

Lois — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:19:39 GMT

I have no clue if I'm supposed to comment on here or not! I'm grandma to Ashley, 3 last Feb, with what we are sure is apraxia (only) and is being treated for such using Nancy Kaufman's kit at her 1/2 hour therapy at school per week. I found this blog by googling Sharon Gretz I think. School is coming to an end and it looks like we won't get summer therapy and I was feeling panicky so started re-reading whatever I could tonight and started looking at the recent posts and the comments. helpful. Liked the part about plateaus, about encouragement, etc. Sometimes I can ride along thinking she's young and there is some progress. Other times, it's overwhelming again and I think will she make it? and when. We're trying to follow up with ideas from her ST and I watch her techniques and pass them on to mom and dad and she gives us some homework. But I have Ashley from 7:30 a.m. to naptime at 1:30 p.m. and I often feel guilty that I'm not working in enough drill (with fun--HAS to be with independent her!), enough repetition; that I'm not taking advantage of every situation -- using the words she is performing, etc.

So I was reading about using the outdoors, etc. Another hindrance is that I have my own transcription to get done while Ashley plays by herself. My husband is now laid off and is taking care of her a lot while I work or cook, and I do hear him ask for words and phrases, but I don't think he gets the concepts as much as I do.

One more thing I was going to add. Ashley is so good at pantomime that (at least) she doesn't often get frustrated with her lack of words. She's made her own signs for a long time to add to ones she was taught. she's probably most frustrated when she wants a certain song sung to her before nap or bed and we just don't know which one it is.

The day she flows 4 words together without a prompt for each one, you'll hear me whoop.

Anyway, just to say that I'm feeling tired and a little discouraged tonight and I'll be following this to catch any idea I can, and thanks so much. Now--on to explore whatever else I can find on here. thanks again.