A novice mom looking for direction!

June 27, 2004

Dear all,

I am new to the " world of apraxia " and have already found reading all of

your comments and questions really informative. At the risk of being

repetitive (I know most of you probable have already been through these

issues) I am hoping for some feedback regarding my son (age 2 & 4

months).

has been " unofficially " diagnosised with apraxia by his SLP.

was a silent baby and until recently, a silent toddler (except

for the occasional " grunt " ), He has just very recently begun to make

intentional sounds (ba, ma, ga and da). He tends to use the sound " ba "

for most things (althougth those " things " that he uses the label " ba "

for tend to be pretty appropriate (e.g. bottle, bus, ball, baby, bug)).

He also seems pretty consistent with the sound he applies to objects.

We are encouraged by his progress over the last month and I am becoming

a bit of an expert at listening to (and interpreting) his sounds; as far

as I'm concerned he really is now communicating with his sounds.

Now for my list of questions..

- Does anyone have any comment as to whether indeed

demonstrates signs of apraxia?

- Are there any other potential reasons for the speech

problems?

- He is currently receiving speech therapy 1 X week from a

speech therapist assistant . do you think this is enough for a 2 1/3

year old?

- Speech therapy is primarily focused on play (with the goal

being to encourage spontaneous vocalizations).does this sound

appropriate? . or should there be more oral-motor techniques being used?

- Should I hold-off on giving Pro-EFAs until the dev.

Peadiatrican/Neurologist give a definite diagnosis?

- What are the factors that can forecast prognosis?

I'm sorry for my long-winded letter.I am feeling a bit desperate to do

whatever I can to help. As a mother, do you ever get off of this

emotional rollercoaster? Is there ever a point where you are at " peace "

with the diagnosis and just " get on with life " ? I wish we all had a

crystal ball for the future.

I know everyone is really busy with their own lives.but, I would be

really appreciate some (any!!!) feedback.

Thank you,

Liz

Recommended Posts