Re: more therapy vs. preschool

[Guest guest]

Amy (and Todd)-

It's not bad. I would say more is warranted, but I know it depends on

your state's EI program. started speech therapy at 2 and was

diagnosed with apraxia at about 2 1/2 (like ). She started with

2 x 60 per week and we changed it to 4 x 30 after the diagnosis (shorter

more frequent sessions are known to be more effective in treating

apraxia).

I am not sure if you are referring to a special ed preschool or a

private preschool. Let me tell you our experience with private

preschool. We had enrolled is a private preschool for 2 year

olds last year (2 days per week, 2 hours each time). She started EI 2

months before preschool started. We hemmed and hawed about what to do

and decided - what the heck - to go ahead and have her go. It was the

best thing we ever did. 2 year olds have a wide range of speech ability

and the kids didn't even notice her apraxia. She was incredibly shy for

a long time, but by the end of the year, as her speech slowly emerged

and her confidence grew, she began to join in. Her teachers were great

and understanding and really encouraged her. It worked out well.

However, this year, is going to a therapeutic playgroup as part

of her IEP. She did not qualify for special ed preschool (too

restrictive), so she gets speech and OT at home and goes to the

playgroup 2 x 90. We decided to let the playgroup stand as her

preschool experience this year, to let this year be the transition year

before going back to private preschool. We chose this path because

's speech is getting better and better and her confidence is

growing BUT we know that many kids (especially girls) have much more

sophisticated speech at this point and we did not want 's

confidence squashed. also has peer interaction and pretend play

goals within her IEP, so the playgroup is a good place to accomplish

this. With this year of extra support, we are confident that

will do great in 4 year old preschool.

So, I guess the answer to your question about preschool

is ... it depends. If you think the preschool is a friendly, accepting

place, it might be worth a try. I wouldn't let it interfere with

therapy, but it might be a good supplement if the environment is right.

I hope this helps some.

Warm regards,

******************

(Rochester, NY)

Mom to , 3.4 years, Verbal Apraxia

& , 1.2 years (and babbling away!)

________________________________

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of blocht574

Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:47 PM

Subject: [ ] more therapy vs. preschool

Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

be in therapy more than one hour a week.

We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

speech is better.

Please help, we need some advice.

Amy and Todd Bloch

(2.7 years)

[Guest guest]

Amy (and Todd)-

It's not bad. I would say more is warranted, but I know it depends on

your state's EI program. started speech therapy at 2 and was

diagnosed with apraxia at about 2 1/2 (like ). She started with

2 x 60 per week and we changed it to 4 x 30 after the diagnosis (shorter

more frequent sessions are known to be more effective in treating

apraxia).

I am not sure if you are referring to a special ed preschool or a

private preschool. Let me tell you our experience with private

preschool. We had enrolled is a private preschool for 2 year

olds last year (2 days per week, 2 hours each time). She started EI 2

months before preschool started. We hemmed and hawed about what to do

and decided - what the heck - to go ahead and have her go. It was the

best thing we ever did. 2 year olds have a wide range of speech ability

and the kids didn't even notice her apraxia. She was incredibly shy for

a long time, but by the end of the year, as her speech slowly emerged

and her confidence grew, she began to join in. Her teachers were great

and understanding and really encouraged her. It worked out well.

However, this year, is going to a therapeutic playgroup as part

of her IEP. She did not qualify for special ed preschool (too

restrictive), so she gets speech and OT at home and goes to the

playgroup 2 x 90. We decided to let the playgroup stand as her

preschool experience this year, to let this year be the transition year

before going back to private preschool. We chose this path because

's speech is getting better and better and her confidence is

growing BUT we know that many kids (especially girls) have much more

sophisticated speech at this point and we did not want 's

confidence squashed. also has peer interaction and pretend play

goals within her IEP, so the playgroup is a good place to accomplish

this. With this year of extra support, we are confident that

will do great in 4 year old preschool.

So, I guess the answer to your question about preschool

is ... it depends. If you think the preschool is a friendly, accepting

place, it might be worth a try. I wouldn't let it interfere with

therapy, but it might be a good supplement if the environment is right.

I hope this helps some.

Warm regards,

******************

(Rochester, NY)

Mom to , 3.4 years, Verbal Apraxia

& , 1.2 years (and babbling away!)

________________________________

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of blocht574

Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:47 PM

Subject: [ ] more therapy vs. preschool

Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

be in therapy more than one hour a week.

We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

speech is better.

Please help, we need some advice.

Amy and Todd Bloch

(2.7 years)

[Guest guest]

Our experience. had about 5 words and a lot of advanced

jargon at 2. We did 2 x 30 speech which I thaught was a waste of

time, more because he wasn't ready and I believe he had some serious

issue with whole milk (casien) which shut down what was beginning

to emerge and brought on serious ear problems to eventually tubes at

2.9. (we are now gluten and casien free- I highly recommend it -

it's not that hard and can make a huge difference for some kids and

those who don't get a " wow " will get some healing in the gut which

will make for better nutrient absorbion)

At 2.6 I enrolled him in a summer camp Montessori program 3 x 3hrs.

Eventhough his ears were causing a lot of behavioral problems he was

enrolled in their fall program 5 days 3 hrs. He was one of the

youngest in the class. And once the tubes were placed, that helped

the pain and agony which lead to the behavior/fragile behavior.

This was our wait year, as everyone told us to " wait " , most of you

know that story.

The other option would be the developmental EI program. That idea

didn't set well with me, modeling challenged kids and much of their

time is spent classroom management and pull outs to various

therapies.

Well, I'm here to tell you MONTESSORI is the way to go. The other

kids didn't care a squat that he couldn't talk. The girls faught

over him every day and overall the experience was good. He is very

social regardless of his inability to speak clearly. I also think

it has given him confidence ; he was recently found teaching a new

student his colors. The teachers are fantastic, everything is

positive and encouraging rather than comparitives. Each kid works

at their own pace at their own level. He has been progressing and

now I understand he's starting learning addition and getting it.

This year (3.9), he still doesn't have a whole lot of language but

he is indeed benefiting from ST 1 x 30 at the Kaufman Center plus 1

hr of OT/AIT. And will also be getting 2 x 30 at the local school

dist. directly after he gets out of Montessori. We also are doing

cranial sacral therapy at least 1 hr per week. And, biomends and

now starting chelation. We've been at this now for about 3 months.

I am going to start a brain gym program at home to support all of

the other efforts.

I'm still on the fence as to where his dx (he was confirmed apraxic

via Kaufman) is but other mothers who have recovered their ASD kids

told me that it really doesn't matter unless you need a dx to get

public services. I agree, a label at this point for us is not

necessary. ASD / Apraxia - ??? I think they are interrelated.

[Guest guest]

Our experience. had about 5 words and a lot of advanced

jargon at 2. We did 2 x 30 speech which I thaught was a waste of

time, more because he wasn't ready and I believe he had some serious

issue with whole milk (casien) which shut down what was beginning

to emerge and brought on serious ear problems to eventually tubes at

2.9. (we are now gluten and casien free- I highly recommend it -

it's not that hard and can make a huge difference for some kids and

those who don't get a " wow " will get some healing in the gut which

will make for better nutrient absorbion)

At 2.6 I enrolled him in a summer camp Montessori program 3 x 3hrs.

Eventhough his ears were causing a lot of behavioral problems he was

enrolled in their fall program 5 days 3 hrs. He was one of the

youngest in the class. And once the tubes were placed, that helped

the pain and agony which lead to the behavior/fragile behavior.

This was our wait year, as everyone told us to " wait " , most of you

know that story.

The other option would be the developmental EI program. That idea

didn't set well with me, modeling challenged kids and much of their

time is spent classroom management and pull outs to various

therapies.

Well, I'm here to tell you MONTESSORI is the way to go. The other

kids didn't care a squat that he couldn't talk. The girls faught

over him every day and overall the experience was good. He is very

social regardless of his inability to speak clearly. I also think

it has given him confidence ; he was recently found teaching a new

student his colors. The teachers are fantastic, everything is

positive and encouraging rather than comparitives. Each kid works

at their own pace at their own level. He has been progressing and

now I understand he's starting learning addition and getting it.

This year (3.9), he still doesn't have a whole lot of language but

he is indeed benefiting from ST 1 x 30 at the Kaufman Center plus 1

hr of OT/AIT. And will also be getting 2 x 30 at the local school

dist. directly after he gets out of Montessori. We also are doing

cranial sacral therapy at least 1 hr per week. And, biomends and

now starting chelation. We've been at this now for about 3 months.

I am going to start a brain gym program at home to support all of

the other efforts.

I'm still on the fence as to where his dx (he was confirmed apraxic

via Kaufman) is but other mothers who have recovered their ASD kids

told me that it really doesn't matter unless you need a dx to get

public services. I agree, a label at this point for us is not

necessary. ASD / Apraxia - ??? I think they are interrelated.

[Guest guest]

,

I beg to differ.

ASD/Apraxia are not inter-related. Some with Autism have Apraxia but not

all with Apraxia have Autism. In fact, many just have Apraxia. " Pure

Apraxic's usually have Sensory Issues and Low-Tone (Hypontonia).

I'm glad Montessori worked for your child but for my son the public

school's Language Delay Program helped out tremendously. He too did not

have any words at 3 y.o. Today, at 4.11, he is talking in sentences. I

attribute this gain to many therapies. He's in a class of 12 with a 4: 1

ratio. He had a personal aide his first year to keep him focused and to

help him with potty-training and his self-help skills. After a year, they

dropped the aide because he became familiar with the routine. The other

T.A's watched out for him whenever he stepped off course. My son is

extremely social and since the other children ranged from mild Autistic to

Severe Speech Disorders and everything in between, it helped. They all take

care of each other. He gets pulled out for both Speech and OT and it's

worked. The good thing is that school's tend to follow a strict Speech

curriculum. They use the Kaufman method for him and Oral Motor exercises

while his private Speech Therapy uses more of Prompt with a play based

therapy. I also give my son Pro-EFA, Carnaware and now Vitamin E. All this

in combination, has contributed to his tremendous gains in speech

production. We are thrilled to hear him talk so much and it come out clear

enough to be understood. So, in essence, what works for one doesn't always

work for others. I feel each parent needs to make that decision on their

own sometimes through trial and error. Just as we did, when at 2 y.o. they

still were talking and your pediatrician was telling us that he is a boy,

they naturally talk late, just wait. NO! We insisted he see a

specialist!.....

" "

<renee@...>

Sent by: cc:

@yaho Subject:

[ ] Re: more therapy vs. preschool

ogroups.com

09/17/2006 07:07 PM

Please respond to

Our experience. had about 5 words and a lot of advanced

jargon at 2. We did 2 x 30 speech which I thaught was a waste of

time, more because he wasn't ready and I believe he had some serious

issue with whole milk (casien) which shut down what was beginning

to emerge and brought on serious ear problems to eventually tubes at

2.9. (we are now gluten and casien free- I highly recommend it -

it's not that hard and can make a huge difference for some kids and

those who don't get a " wow " will get some healing in the gut which

will make for better nutrient absorbion)

At 2.6 I enrolled him in a summer camp Montessori program 3 x 3hrs.

Eventhough his ears were causing a lot of behavioral problems he was

enrolled in their fall program 5 days 3 hrs. He was one of the

youngest in the class. And once the tubes were placed, that helped

the pain and agony which lead to the behavior/fragile behavior.

This was our wait year, as everyone told us to " wait " , most of you

know that story.

The other option would be the developmental EI program. That idea

didn't set well with me, modeling challenged kids and much of their

time is spent classroom management and pull outs to various

therapies.

Well, I'm here to tell you MONTESSORI is the way to go. The other

kids didn't care a squat that he couldn't talk. The girls faught

over him every day and overall the experience was good. He is very

social regardless of his inability to speak clearly. I also think

it has given him confidence ; he was recently found teaching a new

student his colors. The teachers are fantastic, everything is

positive and encouraging rather than comparitives. Each kid works

at their own pace at their own level. He has been progressing and

now I understand he's starting learning addition and getting it.

This year (3.9), he still doesn't have a whole lot of language but

he is indeed benefiting from ST 1 x 30 at the Kaufman Center plus 1

hr of OT/AIT. And will also be getting 2 x 30 at the local school

dist. directly after he gets out of Montessori. We also are doing

cranial sacral therapy at least 1 hr per week. And, biomends and

now starting chelation. We've been at this now for about 3 months.

I am going to start a brain gym program at home to support all of

the other efforts.

I'm still on the fence as to where his dx (he was confirmed apraxic

via Kaufman) is but other mothers who have recovered their ASD kids

told me that it really doesn't matter unless you need a dx to get

public services. I agree, a label at this point for us is not

necessary. ASD / Apraxia - ??? I think they are interrelated.

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy and Todd,

First off- congrats for getting the daignosis so quickly. It sonds like you

are on top of it. If you can afford it, go for the 3rd session. Otherwise you

can do lots of exercises at home to prompt his speech. The SLP will probably be

happy to give you some i'm sure.

In terms of pre-school,it seems there are lots of opinions about developmental

vs.non. I have 3kids, 2 who have had speech isses. The other went to

MOntessori, as did one with speech issues. The developmental preschool was

great b/c it was linked to a SLP, OT services at the school. THey happened to

be excellent as was the preschool teacher who really helped with developing

social skills for my daughter. You might meet other parents to link up with....

The school should have resources for you and your son. The up side of other

schools is that your child will see other roles models, etc. I found that the

" bad " role models were not an issue for us b/c the preschool did not tolerate

it.

Your son is still young- you have time to do the preschool and later add the

Montessori- That's what i did with my kids-

So the decision comes down to how good is the preschool... and your comfort

level with montessori. The other thing about Montessori is that the kids

gravitate towards what is easy for them which is great- but then their language

skills don't get shored up and reinforced, etc.You do want to squeeze in as much

therapy as the budget and the child and time will allow= before the stakes are

too high socially and academically.

Let me know if you have any other questions- hope i didn't overwhelm you.

Liz

blocht574 <blocht574@...> wrote:

Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

be in therapy more than one hour a week.

We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

speech is better.

Please help, we need some advice.

Amy and Todd Bloch

(2.7 years)

[Guest guest]

,

I beg to differ.

ASD/Apraxia are not inter-related. Some with Autism have Apraxia but not

all with Apraxia have Autism. In fact, many just have Apraxia. " Pure

Apraxic's usually have Sensory Issues and Low-Tone (Hypontonia).

I'm glad Montessori worked for your child but for my son the public

school's Language Delay Program helped out tremendously. He too did not

have any words at 3 y.o. Today, at 4.11, he is talking in sentences. I

attribute this gain to many therapies. He's in a class of 12 with a 4: 1

ratio. He had a personal aide his first year to keep him focused and to

help him with potty-training and his self-help skills. After a year, they

dropped the aide because he became familiar with the routine. The other

T.A's watched out for him whenever he stepped off course. My son is

extremely social and since the other children ranged from mild Autistic to

Severe Speech Disorders and everything in between, it helped. They all take

care of each other. He gets pulled out for both Speech and OT and it's

worked. The good thing is that school's tend to follow a strict Speech

curriculum. They use the Kaufman method for him and Oral Motor exercises

while his private Speech Therapy uses more of Prompt with a play based

therapy. I also give my son Pro-EFA, Carnaware and now Vitamin E. All this

in combination, has contributed to his tremendous gains in speech

production. We are thrilled to hear him talk so much and it come out clear

enough to be understood. So, in essence, what works for one doesn't always

work for others. I feel each parent needs to make that decision on their

own sometimes through trial and error. Just as we did, when at 2 y.o. they

still were talking and your pediatrician was telling us that he is a boy,

they naturally talk late, just wait. NO! We insisted he see a

specialist!.....

" "

<renee@...>

Sent by: cc:

@yaho Subject:

[ ] Re: more therapy vs. preschool

ogroups.com

09/17/2006 07:07 PM

Please respond to

Our experience. had about 5 words and a lot of advanced

jargon at 2. We did 2 x 30 speech which I thaught was a waste of

time, more because he wasn't ready and I believe he had some serious

issue with whole milk (casien) which shut down what was beginning

to emerge and brought on serious ear problems to eventually tubes at

2.9. (we are now gluten and casien free- I highly recommend it -

it's not that hard and can make a huge difference for some kids and

those who don't get a " wow " will get some healing in the gut which

will make for better nutrient absorbion)

At 2.6 I enrolled him in a summer camp Montessori program 3 x 3hrs.

Eventhough his ears were causing a lot of behavioral problems he was

enrolled in their fall program 5 days 3 hrs. He was one of the

youngest in the class. And once the tubes were placed, that helped

the pain and agony which lead to the behavior/fragile behavior.

This was our wait year, as everyone told us to " wait " , most of you

know that story.

The other option would be the developmental EI program. That idea

didn't set well with me, modeling challenged kids and much of their

time is spent classroom management and pull outs to various

therapies.

Well, I'm here to tell you MONTESSORI is the way to go. The other

kids didn't care a squat that he couldn't talk. The girls faught

over him every day and overall the experience was good. He is very

social regardless of his inability to speak clearly. I also think

it has given him confidence ; he was recently found teaching a new

student his colors. The teachers are fantastic, everything is

positive and encouraging rather than comparitives. Each kid works

at their own pace at their own level. He has been progressing and

now I understand he's starting learning addition and getting it.

This year (3.9), he still doesn't have a whole lot of language but

he is indeed benefiting from ST 1 x 30 at the Kaufman Center plus 1

hr of OT/AIT. And will also be getting 2 x 30 at the local school

dist. directly after he gets out of Montessori. We also are doing

cranial sacral therapy at least 1 hr per week. And, biomends and

now starting chelation. We've been at this now for about 3 months.

I am going to start a brain gym program at home to support all of

the other efforts.

I'm still on the fence as to where his dx (he was confirmed apraxic

via Kaufman) is but other mothers who have recovered their ASD kids

told me that it really doesn't matter unless you need a dx to get

public services. I agree, a label at this point for us is not

necessary. ASD / Apraxia - ??? I think they are interrelated.

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy and Todd,

First off- congrats for getting the daignosis so quickly. It sonds like you

are on top of it. If you can afford it, go for the 3rd session. Otherwise you

can do lots of exercises at home to prompt his speech. The SLP will probably be

happy to give you some i'm sure.

In terms of pre-school,it seems there are lots of opinions about developmental

vs.non. I have 3kids, 2 who have had speech isses. The other went to

MOntessori, as did one with speech issues. The developmental preschool was

great b/c it was linked to a SLP, OT services at the school. THey happened to

be excellent as was the preschool teacher who really helped with developing

social skills for my daughter. You might meet other parents to link up with....

The school should have resources for you and your son. The up side of other

schools is that your child will see other roles models, etc. I found that the

" bad " role models were not an issue for us b/c the preschool did not tolerate

it.

Your son is still young- you have time to do the preschool and later add the

Montessori- That's what i did with my kids-

So the decision comes down to how good is the preschool... and your comfort

level with montessori. The other thing about Montessori is that the kids

gravitate towards what is easy for them which is great- but then their language

skills don't get shored up and reinforced, etc.You do want to squeeze in as much

therapy as the budget and the child and time will allow= before the stakes are

too high socially and academically.

Let me know if you have any other questions- hope i didn't overwhelm you.

Liz

blocht574 <blocht574@...> wrote:

Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

be in therapy more than one hour a week.

We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

speech is better.

Please help, we need some advice.

Amy and Todd Bloch

(2.7 years)

[Guest guest]

I'm fairly new to the group and have never posted before now, but our

son, , is in a similar situation: diagnosed at 2 1/2 w/ apraxia,

and is now 2.8 years. He just started in a regular preschool program

two mornings a week for 3 hours, and seems to be enjoying it. He still

gets speech therapy once a week (we may up that amount, but he has

attention difficulties too). His preschool teacher is a very patient

person, and is willing to try him in the class for a month before making

a final decision. Our main concern is the frustration level for her and

for our son. I don't think any of the other 2 year olds in the class

even notice is lack of speech. I'm cautiously optimistic, and we'll be

discussing his progress with the teacher after one month. Let us know

how it goes on your end.

Ginger

>

> Amy (and Todd)-

>

> It's not bad. I would say more is warranted, but I know it depends on

> your state's EI program. started speech therapy at 2 and was

> diagnosed with apraxia at about 2 1/2 (like ). She started with

> 2 x 60 per week and we changed it to 4 x 30 after the diagnosis

(shorter

> more frequent sessions are known to be more effective in treating

> apraxia).

>

> I am not sure if you are referring to a special ed preschool or a

> private preschool. Let me tell you our experience with private

> preschool. We had enrolled is a private preschool for 2 year

> olds last year (2 days per week, 2 hours each time). She started EI 2

> months before preschool started. We hemmed and hawed about what to do

> and decided - what the heck - to go ahead and have her go. It was the

> best thing we ever did. 2 year olds have a wide range of speech

ability

> and the kids didn't even notice her apraxia. She was incredibly shy

for

> a long time, but by the end of the year, as her speech slowly emerged

> and her confidence grew, she began to join in. Her teachers were great

> and understanding and really encouraged her. It worked out well.

>

> However, this year, is going to a therapeutic playgroup as

part

> of her IEP. She did not qualify for special ed preschool (too

> restrictive), so she gets speech and OT at home and goes to the

> playgroup 2 x 90. We decided to let the playgroup stand as her

> preschool experience this year, to let this year be the transition

year

> before going back to private preschool. We chose this path because

> 's speech is getting better and better and her confidence is

> growing BUT we know that many kids (especially girls) have much more

> sophisticated speech at this point and we did not want 's

> confidence squashed. also has peer interaction and pretend

play

> goals within her IEP, so the playgroup is a good place to accomplish

> this. With this year of extra support, we are confident that

> will do great in 4 year old preschool.

>

>

> So, I guess the answer to your question about preschool

> is ... it depends. If you think the preschool is a friendly, accepting

> place, it might be worth a try. I wouldn't let it interfere with

> therapy, but it might be a good supplement if the environment is

right.

>

> I hope this helps some.

>

>

> Warm regards,

> ******************

> (Rochester, NY)

> Mom to , 3.4 years, Verbal Apraxia

> & , 1.2 years (and babbling away!)

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of blocht574

> Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:47 PM

>

> Subject: [ ] more therapy vs. preschool

>

>

>

> Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

> in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

> months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

> therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

> specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

> be in therapy more than one hour a week.

>

> We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

> with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

> doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

> speech is better.

>

> Please help, we need some advice.

>

> Amy and Todd Bloch

>

> (2.7 years)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm fairly new to the group and have never posted before now, but our

son, , is in a similar situation: diagnosed at 2 1/2 w/ apraxia,

and is now 2.8 years. He just started in a regular preschool program

two mornings a week for 3 hours, and seems to be enjoying it. He still

gets speech therapy once a week (we may up that amount, but he has

attention difficulties too). His preschool teacher is a very patient

person, and is willing to try him in the class for a month before making

a final decision. Our main concern is the frustration level for her and

for our son. I don't think any of the other 2 year olds in the class

even notice is lack of speech. I'm cautiously optimistic, and we'll be

discussing his progress with the teacher after one month. Let us know

how it goes on your end.

Ginger

>

> Amy (and Todd)-

>

> It's not bad. I would say more is warranted, but I know it depends on

> your state's EI program. started speech therapy at 2 and was

> diagnosed with apraxia at about 2 1/2 (like ). She started with

> 2 x 60 per week and we changed it to 4 x 30 after the diagnosis

(shorter

> more frequent sessions are known to be more effective in treating

> apraxia).

>

> I am not sure if you are referring to a special ed preschool or a

> private preschool. Let me tell you our experience with private

> preschool. We had enrolled is a private preschool for 2 year

> olds last year (2 days per week, 2 hours each time). She started EI 2

> months before preschool started. We hemmed and hawed about what to do

> and decided - what the heck - to go ahead and have her go. It was the

> best thing we ever did. 2 year olds have a wide range of speech

ability

> and the kids didn't even notice her apraxia. She was incredibly shy

for

> a long time, but by the end of the year, as her speech slowly emerged

> and her confidence grew, she began to join in. Her teachers were great

> and understanding and really encouraged her. It worked out well.

>

> However, this year, is going to a therapeutic playgroup as

part

> of her IEP. She did not qualify for special ed preschool (too

> restrictive), so she gets speech and OT at home and goes to the

> playgroup 2 x 90. We decided to let the playgroup stand as her

> preschool experience this year, to let this year be the transition

year

> before going back to private preschool. We chose this path because

> 's speech is getting better and better and her confidence is

> growing BUT we know that many kids (especially girls) have much more

> sophisticated speech at this point and we did not want 's

> confidence squashed. also has peer interaction and pretend

play

> goals within her IEP, so the playgroup is a good place to accomplish

> this. With this year of extra support, we are confident that

> will do great in 4 year old preschool.

>

>

> So, I guess the answer to your question about preschool

> is ... it depends. If you think the preschool is a friendly, accepting

> place, it might be worth a try. I wouldn't let it interfere with

> therapy, but it might be a good supplement if the environment is

right.

>

> I hope this helps some.

>

>

> Warm regards,

> ******************

> (Rochester, NY)

> Mom to , 3.4 years, Verbal Apraxia

> & , 1.2 years (and babbling away!)

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of blocht574

> Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 1:47 PM

>

> Subject: [ ] more therapy vs. preschool

>

>

>

> Our son was just diagnosed with Apraxia this week. He is 2 1/2. He was

> in our county's early intervention speech program for the last six

> months for one hour a week but was not improving. He is now going to

> therapy two 30 minute sessions a week through our hospital's program

> specializing in apraxia. Is this enough? I just wonder if he shouldn't

> be in therapy more than one hour a week.

>

> We also started him in a preschool program. We thought it might help

> with his speech but know I am wondering if he would be better off

> doing intensive speech therapy and holding off on preschool until his

> speech is better.

>

> Please help, we need some advice.

>

> Amy and Todd Bloch

>

> (2.7 years)

>

>

>

>

>

>

>