Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 For Adam it is not a physical problem. He can form and pronounce words almost perfectly. If you point to something, he will tell you what it is. He can memorize and sing entire songs. When it comes to putting a thought together and having a conversation, he cannot do it yet. He can express his needs in three or four word phrases. It is very strange. Donna - gram to Adam 5 mds and the girls Sue wrote: Hi Everyone, I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are harder than others? Thanks Sue __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Donna, I know we've probably discussed this before, but that's so funny about the songs! That's exactly how Aidan is. He can sing an entire song, but when he's trying to spit out a sentence it's like it wants to come out faster than he can find the words. I almost feel like if he could speak with a rhythm and follow a beat, just like when you sing that he would speak better. Actually, he is doing much better now that he's older and we've been advised to help him slow down when he's trying to say something. Our last speech teacher told us to let him know we're not going anywhere so he can slow down and take his time to speak. I think it's helped immensely to say, " it's okay, I'm listening. Now slow down, what do you have to say? " Anyway, thought that was an interesting comparison! IMDSA Newsletter Editor Mom to Aidan (mds), a, and Re: Question About Speech For Adam it is not a physical problem. He can form and pronounce words almost perfectly. If you point to something, he will tell you what it is. He can memorize and sing entire songs. When it comes to putting a thought together and having a conversation, he cannot do it yet. He can express his needs in three or four word phrases. It is very strange. Donna - gram to Adam 5 mds and the girls Sue <suejohnson524@ yahoo.com> wrote: Hi Everyone, I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are harder than others? Thanks Sue ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 I'm so glad Sue asked that question! I also was wondering about that. My Raven has a serious delay in speech, and I was wondering since they are teaching her to sign if that will add to the speech delay? Peg __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Peg, From all that I've heard, read and experienced with sign language, I think using signs only helps communication. When I was studying ASL (American Sign Language) in college it was often discussed how sign language has been overlooked for so long and not considered to be a real language (despite the deaf community trying to prove its usefulness). Many people didn't find value in using signs with kids, thinking it would stunt their vocabulary and language. It had only been 4 years since hearing all that when Aidan started his birth-to-three program. Lo and behold they were using signs to help encourage communication! All the programs up here use it and embrace it! They all started saying what my sign language teachers had been saying for years . . . when the kids grasp the communication they will switch over to verbalizing. The argument made by my teachers (mostly who were deaf) was that when deaf people have hearing children they still hear what's going on around them so they're still able to pick up sounds and learn spoken language. I'm sure there could be delays with them if they don't have enough exposure to spoken language, but that's not the case with our kids. Even if we use signs our kids still hear a LOT of language going on around them so naturally, they will still learn to vocalize (especially how much harder we try with our kids . . . LOL!). I think the signs are so beneficial in getting them past the frustrating stage when they can't figure out how to communicate. I'm so glad sign language is being adopted and used instead of undervalued. I know it's helped me tremendously with ALL my kids! IMDSA Newsletter Editor Mom to Aidan (mds), a, Re: Question About Speech I'm so glad Sue asked that question! I also was wondering about that. My Raven has a serious delay in speech, and I was wondering since they are teaching her to sign if that will add to the speech delay? Peg ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 My opinion is...it's generally a developmental problem/delay. While, for some it can also be physical, depending on wether or not the child has the larger protruding tongue that is common in DS. My son doesn't have the protruding tongue problem.....just had a delay in speaking. He TRIED...we would ask him something, and he'd string together some sounds....we'd ask him to repeat...and he'd string together the SAME sounds.........so, I felt, he knew what he was TRYING to say, but getting it from his mind, out of his mouth, was another story! You may want to consider teaching some basic signs early on..............so the child can communicate basic needs with you.........................I made the mistake of not doing that, and had one unhappy toddler on my hands!! ^i^ ANGEL ^i^ Mom to 14 mosaic Down syndrome/Hirschsprung's Lance 19, Ty 15, 12 Jaeda 11 & Shayne 5 ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Another interesting comparison - My 20 month old daughter - not speaking just yet, she'll say 1 word like Diego and then never say it again. She is signing up a storm though. However, she LOVES to be sung to in a rhythm. She even has a little dance that she does to music. I wonder if there is a connection to your children with rhythm and singing songs. Re: Question About Speech > > For Adam it is not a physical problem. He can form and pronounce > words almost perfectly. If you point to something, he will tell > you what it is. He can memorize and sing entire songs. When it > comes to putting a thought together and having a conversation, > he cannot do it yet. He can express his needs in three or four > word phrases. It is very strange. > > Donna - gram to Adam 5 mds and the girls > > Sue wrote: > Hi Everyone, > I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most > children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does > everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children > that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem > with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of > how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they > would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are > harder than others? > > Thanks > Sue > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Hi Peg 's teachers are teaching her to sign and I was told it works a part of the brain that enhances speech at a faster rate. I have also heard it may improve IQ. It's so great to see " talk " to her teachers without saying a word. Kim Re: Question About Speech To: MosaicDS > I'm so glad Sue asked that question! I also was wondering about > that. My Raven has a serious delay in speech, and I was > wondering since they are teaching her to sign if that will add > to the speech delay? > Peg > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 For Mahrya who is now 11, it was never really the mechanics of speech that was a problem, all of her sounds were and are clearly enounciated, for her it is a language delay. She has trouble processing exactly what you are asking her at times and formualating difficult or abstract thoughts. Luanne Hi Everyone, I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are harder than others? Thanks Sue __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Donna, well... we can definitely converse, and his vocabulary has expanded...and he has quite the sense of humor... but his speech is still slurred, and I think he realizes it now...because I've noticed him get caught on words and kind of stutter, especially if he thinks you won't be able to understand him. I admit, I have a hard time understanding some things he says..........and my children still have to translate for me once in a while! OOPS! But most people can understand him if they pay attention and listen!! ^i^ ANGEL ^i^ Mom to 14 mosaic Down syndrome/Hirschsprung's Lance 19, Ty 15, 12 Jaeda 11 & Shayne 5 ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 This is one of the issues we addressed in our Recipes for Research book. When a child with MDS has a speech delay they see a chair, they are told it is a chair, but they need " extra evidence " that it is a chair. So, with the sign " chair " they are able to identify what the object (or need) is and they are able to successfully communicate what they are trying to say. Once they master the word they are trying to communicate, they immediately drop that sign because it is no longer needed. This definitely helps with the frustration level of kids not being able to communicate their needs and increases their vocabulary because of the positive reinforcement they receive by being able to communicate. One more point to make: Always praise every attempt to communicate. With phrases like, " Nice talking! " or " I like how you are using your words! " Never say, " no, that is not how you say it " If your child says something, just repeat what you know they are trying to say, and eventually they will articulate it correctly. Use sign language! I promise you will not regret it! Kristy ps...it is also a great tool to get your kids to sit still in church! lol Peg Robbins wrote: I'm so glad Sue asked that question! I also was wondering about that. My Raven has a serious delay in speech, and I was wondering since they are teaching her to sign if that will add to the speech delay? Peg __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Hi Sue Everyone with MDS does not have a speech problem. However, the majority of kids with MDS do have speech problems. Some have trouble with the tongue and pallet. Some have trouble forming words. A big problem is dropping the last sounds off of words. Another issue can be hearing trouble because of recurring ear infections. I can tell you that Tim was dx with MDS at 2 1/2 because of his speech problem. Now, at 21 he doesn't have a speech problem at all and speaks normally. He was dropped out of speech when he was in 3rd grade. I did work very hard with him when he was a toddler to get his speech where it should be. But, the hard work definitely paid off. I am sorry for all the uncertainties. I know it is frustrating just waiting for things to happen. If your daughter has speech problems then you will just help her overcome them! Your therapists can help you with ways to help her. I definitely recommend Communicating Partners! It will help tremendously! Kristy Sue wrote: Hi Everyone, I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are harder than others? Thanks Sue __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Angel - Is 's speech still delayed or is he able to have conversations with you now? I ask, because what you where saying the way he tried to speak sounds a lot like what Adam does. I know he is saying something, because he will say the same thing over and over. I really want to think that he will get it eventually and be able to talk to us. Donna LDSAngel77@... wrote: My opinion is...it's generally a developmental problem/delay. While, for some it can also be physical, depending on wether or not the child has the larger protruding tongue that is common in DS. My son doesn't have the protruding tongue problem.....just had a delay in speaking. He TRIED...we would ask him something, and he'd string together some sounds....we'd ask him to repeat...and he'd string together the SAME sounds.........so, I felt, he knew what he was TRYING to say, but getting it from his mind, out of his mouth, was another story! You may want to consider teaching some basic signs early on..............so the child can communicate basic needs with you.........................I made the mistake of not doing that, and had one unhappy toddler on my hands!! ^i^ ANGEL ^i^ Mom to 14 mosaic Down syndrome/Hirschsprung's Lance 19, Ty 15, 12 Jaeda 11 & Shayne 5 ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Adam's old speech therapist once told us that singing comes from a different part of the brain than speaking. I didn't put much faith in this particular therapist so I don't know how true that is. I should actually research that. Donna From: oreo82999@... Date: 2007/11/03 Sat PM 12:25:18 CDT To: MosaicDS Subject: Re: Question About Speech Another interesting comparison - My 20 month old daughter - not speaking just yet, she'll say 1 word like Diego and then never say it again. She is signing up a storm though. However, she LOVES to be sung to in a rhythm. She even has a little dance that she does to music. I wonder if there is a connection to your children with rhythm and singing songs. Re: Question About Speech > > For Adam it is not a physical problem. He can form and pronounce > words almost perfectly. If you point to something, he will tell > you what it is. He can memorize and sing entire songs. When it > comes to putting a thought together and having a conversation, > he cannot do it yet. He can express his needs in three or four > word phrases. It is very strange. > > Donna - gram to Adam 5 mds and the girls > > Sue wrote: > Hi Everyone, > I just have a quick couple of questions. I understand that most > children with mds have a speech problem. My question is, does > everyone with mds have a speech problem? Are there any children > that do not have problems in this area? Is it physical problem > with their palate or tongue? Is it they have trouble thinking of > how to express themselves and the words do not come out as they > would like them to? Are there certain letters or sound that are > harder than others? > > Thanks > Sue > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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