A Musical night to remember.....

[Guest guest]

Hi to all.....I wanted to share a story with all of you. My friends, family

and my extended group of friends at apraxia kids, cherab, group ect.....

When my son now 2years 7 months was first dx with PDD/NOS

Developmental Delay and Verbal Apraxia I felt like someone had stabbed me in

the heart. I ached for and was frightened by what lie ahead for him

and for me. I had experience working with special needs children, but nothing

really prepares you for when it is your own. Being a single Mom, with 3

children, I was overwhelmed that I couldn't handle all that would be expected

and needed. Somehow I have found a way. I must say in all honesty, at times

when I feel alone and need someone to talk to all you wonderful 'friends I

have met on line have been a larger help than you realize Just knowing that

there are other people dealing with the same things helps.

Back to .. was not speaking at all. Making a few sounds, but no

clear words. He had never clapped his hands or responded to music. He has

overly sensitive hearing which causes him to cover his ears and at times he

just needs to leave some situations. I have taught sign language to

which he now has 110 signs. I also developed for a picture exchange

program so he has been able to communicate his needs and wants, but still he

couldn't sing, dance, tell a story or interact in group activities such as

singing. I was determined to give him the chance. For the past 3 days I have

been working on making a way for this to happen. I made pictures for Old

Mac's farm,...... 5 monkeys jumping on the bed....., 5 little

ducks.....,5little speckled frogs....wheels on the bus....hurry up and drive

your firetruck...and so on. I put Velcro on the back and set up a felt board.

We began working on this last night. I would sing the songs and give him the

pictures...any way he love old Mac's farm and actually " sang " to it. He

said " boo " for moo and " guck 'for duck he signed horse, and chicken and

said " bahh " for sheep. I then gave him a drum and while he was banging on it

he said " boom " It was the best night I have had in a long time. I know now

that he can do anything he wants. There is so much to teach him. Therapy is

great and God knows we have it 6 days a week, but nothing is as great as

teaching your child and seeing them respond. I am determined maybe more now

than ever before to give him the opportunity to experience everything. First

music, then telling me a story from a book..maybe Brown Bear with pictures.

It may not be the conventional way of speaking, but sign and picture is his

language and I am thrilled that he has it. All of our children with special

needs are just that special. They are our gifts and everyday we are lucky to

experience the joy that they bring us. We as parents of special children are

the lucky ones who get to see the world through their eyes.

I know I have many obstacles ahead but I have a great support team in all of

you out there who send in your posts everyday. We will make it together.

God bless and kiss your children

Tracey