Guest guest Posted October 17, 2006 Report Share Posted October 17, 2006 --- Hi Trina I live in Australia as well. I have a 6 yr old with verbal dyspraxia. He was diagnosed at about 3 and 1/2 years of age. Before the diagnosis he had been going to speech therapy from 17 months of age. As far as I can tell, he only has problems with speech which also affects his school work in particular maths and literacy. He can ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, he plays soccer (he isn't the best player). I had him assessed by an OT and she didn't find too much to comment upon. I am having the same problems in finding Vit E gamma. I have put my son on 200 iu of Vit E(alpha) a day. I tried 400 iu but he kept complaining of tummy pain. did suggest to try a non soy based Vit E, but I live in regional Australia and is pretty hard to find. He seems to tolerate the 200 iu and his speech seemed to improve within 2-3 days even on a smaller dose than everyone else here is using. I have a cupboard full of different omega 3s that I have tried. The best one that works for us is the " Efalex " brand, the capsules are smaller and almost oval in shape. I encourage him to swallow them whole. We have had bad experiences with other brands as he can taste the " fishy " taste even if it is masked with a citrus flavour. He has been on Efalex for about 2 weeks and I think is right the combination of Vit E and Omega 3 is probably the key in unlocking apraxia or dyspraxia. My son takes 1 Efalex and 1Vit E in the morning with breakfast. Breakfast for him is a peanut paste sandwich (at his request) and a glass of milk. I can't wait to increase the dose of Efalex but I have to be cautious and get him used to the Efalex. I have a friend who uses NATURE'S WAY KIDS SMART fish burstlet. Her kids don't have dyspraxia and enjoy the lime flavour. I think capsules are probably more convenient and tend to store better. But if omega 3's in juice works, stick with it. I hope this is helpful. I am fairly new as well, as I joined in June. I try to read what people have to say everyday and learn as much as possible. Loreta In , " trina3103 " <trina3103@...> wrote: > > Hello All. > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble accross > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this group > very informative and helpful. > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the ProEFA > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although I > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols'. This brand I am > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as it > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to just > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the cup > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has about > 10 to start with). > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out another 'newbie' > are these: > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > using? > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > the same as Gamma? > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all constantly, > but as there is very little known about all this over here and there > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate any > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > much help! > Katrina > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2006 Report Share Posted October 17, 2006 Thanks for your reply Loreta, it was great to hear your story. I have also been usuing Efalex liquid but Fletcher wouldn't have a bar of it - unfortunately he is too young to swallow capsules so I have only been able to use the liquid. I actually started using it months ago on my eldest son (Mac, 6 with no problems) as he started school this year and I noticed he was struggling with his reading and writing. We (including Mac) saw an amazing improvement - he's now loving school as he can now see results for all his hard work. When Fletcher was diagnosed (about 5 weeks ago) I thought I'd put him on it too but he did not like the taste. I then tried Eye Q but he wouldn't have that either. Then I came accross this group and discovered N.N. ProEFA and Vit. E. I have now put both boys on ProEFA and E (for some reason Fletcher tolerates both) but I have only seen a slight improvement in Fletcher and I am now thinking Mac may be going backwards with his school work. I will probably put Mac back on Efalex but keep Fletcher going with the Pro EFA. I stopped using Efalex as I was under the impression that it did not have the correct or same ratio of EPA & DHA as the ProEFA that everyone here was having such success with. I have also experienced some behavioural issues with both boys. Although Mac seems to be getting back to normal, they both have become very defiant and emotional. Fletcher has also stopped his 2-3 hour afternoon nap cold turkey and by 5.00pm is bouncing off the walls - makes for a very long day!! I purchased my E from a chemist who advised me to start Fletch off on one dose every second day for a week and then go to once a day. His reason for this was that Vitamin E is notorious for causing stomach upsets which your son has now proven! We are currentlly waiting for our speech pathologist to be replaced so we are yet to start any therapy with Fletcher since his diagnosis. Are you or did you have intense therapy with your son? I am told we will probably need 4 or 5 sessions a week along with alot of 'homework' for the next 3 - 5 years. Is your son in a mainstream school and how is his speech now? How does he cope socially? Sorry about all the questions but I am in Melbourne where there seems to be no help (other than speech therapy) or support networks and I am yet to come across another mother of or child with dyspraxia so I have no other brain to pick!! I'd love to hear of anything that helped you and your son along. Thanks again for your reply and if you have a spare moment I'd love to hear any other info. you may have! Katrina [ ] Re: Water soluble Vit. E? --- Hi Trina I live in Australia as well. I have a 6 yr old with verbal dyspraxia. He was diagnosed at about 3 and 1/2 years of age. Before the diagnosis he had been going to speech therapy from 17 months of age. As far as I can tell, he only has problems with speech which also affects his school work in particular maths and literacy. He can ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, he plays soccer (he isn't the best player). I had him assessed by an OT and she didn't find too much to comment upon. I am having the same problems in finding Vit E gamma. I have put my son on 200 iu of Vit E(alpha) a day. I tried 400 iu but he kept complaining of tummy pain. did suggest to try a non soy based Vit E, but I live in regional Australia and is pretty hard to find. He seems to tolerate the 200 iu and his speech seemed to improve within 2-3 days even on a smaller dose than everyone else here is using. I have a cupboard full of different omega 3s that I have tried. The best one that works for us is the " Efalex " brand, the capsules are smaller and almost oval in shape. I encourage him to swallow them whole. We have had bad experiences with other brands as he can taste the " fishy " taste even if it is masked with a citrus flavour. He has been on Efalex for about 2 weeks and I think is right the combination of Vit E and Omega 3 is probably the key in unlocking apraxia or dyspraxia. My son takes 1 Efalex and 1Vit E in the morning with breakfast. Breakfast for him is a peanut paste sandwich (at his request) and a glass of milk. I can't wait to increase the dose of Efalex but I have to be cautious and get him used to the Efalex. I have a friend who uses NATURE'S WAY KIDS SMART fish burstlet. Her kids don't have dyspraxia and enjoy the lime flavour. I think capsules are probably more convenient and tend to store better. But if omega 3's in juice works, stick with it. I hope this is helpful. I am fairly new as well, as I joined in June. I try to read what people have to say everyday and learn as much as possible. Loreta In @groups. com, " trina3103 " <trina3103@. ..> wrote: > > Hello All. > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble accross > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this group > very informative and helpful. > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the ProEFA > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although I > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols' . This brand I am > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as it > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to just > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the cup > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has about > 10 to start with). > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out another 'newbie' > are these: > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > using? > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > the same as Gamma? > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all constantly, > but as there is very little known about all this over here and there > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate any > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > much help! > Katrina > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2006 Report Share Posted October 17, 2006 --- Hi Trina I live in Australia as well. I have a 6 yr old with verbal dyspraxia. He was diagnosed at about 3 and 1/2 years of age. Before the diagnosis he had been going to speech therapy from 17 months of age. As far as I can tell, he only has problems with speech which also affects his school work in particular maths and literacy. He can ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, he plays soccer (he isn't the best player). I had him assessed by an OT and she didn't find too much to comment upon. I am having the same problems in finding Vit E gamma. I have put my son on 200 iu of Vit E(alpha) a day. I tried 400 iu but he kept complaining of tummy pain. did suggest to try a non soy based Vit E, but I live in regional Australia and is pretty hard to find. He seems to tolerate the 200 iu and his speech seemed to improve within 2-3 days even on a smaller dose than everyone else here is using. I have a cupboard full of different omega 3s that I have tried. The best one that works for us is the " Efalex " brand, the capsules are smaller and almost oval in shape. I encourage him to swallow them whole. We have had bad experiences with other brands as he can taste the " fishy " taste even if it is masked with a citrus flavour. He has been on Efalex for about 2 weeks and I think is right the combination of Vit E and Omega 3 is probably the key in unlocking apraxia or dyspraxia. My son takes 1 Efalex and 1Vit E in the morning with breakfast. Breakfast for him is a peanut paste sandwich (at his request) and a glass of milk. I can't wait to increase the dose of Efalex but I have to be cautious and get him used to the Efalex. I have a friend who uses NATURE'S WAY KIDS SMART fish burstlet. Her kids don't have dyspraxia and enjoy the lime flavour. I think capsules are probably more convenient and tend to store better. But if omega 3's in juice works, stick with it. I hope this is helpful. I am fairly new as well, as I joined in June. I try to read what people have to say everyday and learn as much as possible. Loreta In , " trina3103 " <trina3103@...> wrote: > > Hello All. > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble accross > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this group > very informative and helpful. > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the ProEFA > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although I > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols'. This brand I am > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as it > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to just > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the cup > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has about > 10 to start with). > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out another 'newbie' > are these: > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > using? > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > the same as Gamma? > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all constantly, > but as there is very little known about all this over here and there > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate any > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > much help! > Katrina > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2006 Report Share Posted October 17, 2006 Thanks for your reply Loreta, it was great to hear your story. I have also been usuing Efalex liquid but Fletcher wouldn't have a bar of it - unfortunately he is too young to swallow capsules so I have only been able to use the liquid. I actually started using it months ago on my eldest son (Mac, 6 with no problems) as he started school this year and I noticed he was struggling with his reading and writing. We (including Mac) saw an amazing improvement - he's now loving school as he can now see results for all his hard work. When Fletcher was diagnosed (about 5 weeks ago) I thought I'd put him on it too but he did not like the taste. I then tried Eye Q but he wouldn't have that either. Then I came accross this group and discovered N.N. ProEFA and Vit. E. I have now put both boys on ProEFA and E (for some reason Fletcher tolerates both) but I have only seen a slight improvement in Fletcher and I am now thinking Mac may be going backwards with his school work. I will probably put Mac back on Efalex but keep Fletcher going with the Pro EFA. I stopped using Efalex as I was under the impression that it did not have the correct or same ratio of EPA & DHA as the ProEFA that everyone here was having such success with. I have also experienced some behavioural issues with both boys. Although Mac seems to be getting back to normal, they both have become very defiant and emotional. Fletcher has also stopped his 2-3 hour afternoon nap cold turkey and by 5.00pm is bouncing off the walls - makes for a very long day!! I purchased my E from a chemist who advised me to start Fletch off on one dose every second day for a week and then go to once a day. His reason for this was that Vitamin E is notorious for causing stomach upsets which your son has now proven! We are currentlly waiting for our speech pathologist to be replaced so we are yet to start any therapy with Fletcher since his diagnosis. Are you or did you have intense therapy with your son? I am told we will probably need 4 or 5 sessions a week along with alot of 'homework' for the next 3 - 5 years. Is your son in a mainstream school and how is his speech now? How does he cope socially? Sorry about all the questions but I am in Melbourne where there seems to be no help (other than speech therapy) or support networks and I am yet to come across another mother of or child with dyspraxia so I have no other brain to pick!! I'd love to hear of anything that helped you and your son along. Thanks again for your reply and if you have a spare moment I'd love to hear any other info. you may have! Katrina [ ] Re: Water soluble Vit. E? --- Hi Trina I live in Australia as well. I have a 6 yr old with verbal dyspraxia. He was diagnosed at about 3 and 1/2 years of age. Before the diagnosis he had been going to speech therapy from 17 months of age. As far as I can tell, he only has problems with speech which also affects his school work in particular maths and literacy. He can ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, he plays soccer (he isn't the best player). I had him assessed by an OT and she didn't find too much to comment upon. I am having the same problems in finding Vit E gamma. I have put my son on 200 iu of Vit E(alpha) a day. I tried 400 iu but he kept complaining of tummy pain. did suggest to try a non soy based Vit E, but I live in regional Australia and is pretty hard to find. He seems to tolerate the 200 iu and his speech seemed to improve within 2-3 days even on a smaller dose than everyone else here is using. I have a cupboard full of different omega 3s that I have tried. The best one that works for us is the " Efalex " brand, the capsules are smaller and almost oval in shape. I encourage him to swallow them whole. We have had bad experiences with other brands as he can taste the " fishy " taste even if it is masked with a citrus flavour. He has been on Efalex for about 2 weeks and I think is right the combination of Vit E and Omega 3 is probably the key in unlocking apraxia or dyspraxia. My son takes 1 Efalex and 1Vit E in the morning with breakfast. Breakfast for him is a peanut paste sandwich (at his request) and a glass of milk. I can't wait to increase the dose of Efalex but I have to be cautious and get him used to the Efalex. I have a friend who uses NATURE'S WAY KIDS SMART fish burstlet. Her kids don't have dyspraxia and enjoy the lime flavour. I think capsules are probably more convenient and tend to store better. But if omega 3's in juice works, stick with it. I hope this is helpful. I am fairly new as well, as I joined in June. I try to read what people have to say everyday and learn as much as possible. Loreta In @groups. com, " trina3103 " <trina3103@. ..> wrote: > > Hello All. > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble accross > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this group > very informative and helpful. > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the ProEFA > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although I > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols' . This brand I am > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as it > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to just > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the cup > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has about > 10 to start with). > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out another 'newbie' > are these: > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > using? > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > the same as Gamma? > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all constantly, > but as there is very little known about all this over here and there > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate any > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > much help! > Katrina > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2006 Report Share Posted October 19, 2006 Hi Katrina, I often feel alone and isolated in regards to my son's dyspraxia. I met one lady whose son has verbal dyspraxia. I'm sorry to hear that Fletcher has given up his nap. It will get better, as he grows older. I met a lady whose son has verbal dyspraxia. He is 9 or 10. He was discharged from speech therapy at 9. He now has private tuition for reading. His mother commented that he struggles with school work especially literacy subjects. His younger sister outclasses him in that area. He is a gifted footballer. He was diagnosed early like our guys. I heard him speak and his speech was very clear. He does tend to be shy. I met another lady whose son wasn't diagnosed until 8yrs old, she said was going through a painful divorce and had 5 other children. He had already been suspended once from his school. I haven't kept in touch with these women. When my son was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia he started weekly sessions with speech therapy and he is still going weekly. My insurance will only pay $400 for speech therapy, the rest is out of our pockets. One lady told me that she gets some sort of benefit from Centrelink as a carer for her son's dyspraxia. We attend private speech therapy. He has been lucky enough to have the same speech therapist since he was 17 months old. Just this morning his speech therapist commented on just how far he has come along since the day she first met him. He is in a mainstream school and started Grade One this year. I live in Queensland and the prep year doesn't start until 2007. I really wanted him to do prep as they were trialling one class this year. His preschool teacher (who I respect very highly) felt that my son needed to be a structured environment rather than a prep where the programme was still play based. His preschool teacher begged me not to waste this year. So I listened to her advice. Unfortunately, the first semster was extremely disrupted, on the school's part. He did not receive the promised help until second term. Consequently he is behind. To make a long story short he has a new teacher and he is doing well. Will it be enough for him to progress to Grade 2, I don't know. I do regret not fighting harder for him. If at all possible Katrina, have Fletcher start school later rather than sooner. I realize the ratios of Omegas is different in Efalex to what everyone gives but I'm getting good results. When I first joined the group I tried to find an omega 3 that my son could swallow. Fish oil, tasted like " dead fish " . So I tried flaxseed oil from capsules. He tolerated the taste. Within 3 days his speech just improved. I had friends comment on how much he had improved. Unfortunately he developed tummy pain. I read that only 10% of flaxseed oil converts to the various factors. So I stopped. But I couldn't forget that glorious 2 weeks of clear speech. I trialled different brands. Then talked about vitamin E. The capsules were tiny and I knew my son would be able to swallow them. So I had him on vitamin E for a couple of weeks, yes he was emotional, but he became more organized, he dressed himself, prepared his school bag and got his library books ready. Then the tummy pain came. I stopped. I couldn't forget that great couple of weeks. I looked for a non soy based vitamin E but failed. So I tried 200 iu, no tummy pain and greatly improved speech. At the moment, my little boy boy is complaining that he is losing his friends at school. He seems to sit by himself at lunch time. We got to school early one morning. His class mates were playing soccer, I suggested that he join the game he said very clearly " they won't let me " . I've tried to explore this with him. I know he can be boisterous and very physical with his older sister. I asked him, " are you mean to your sister " , he replied " sometimes " I then asked " are you mean to your class mates " he replied " No, never, those are naughty to me, those pinch me, those kick me " . I believe him. I have no idea how I'm handle this but I know I will have to speak to his teacher. The second problem for us, my son has a fair amount of homework every afternoon. Once he has finished it he is too tired for his speech homework. I feel as though I'm in a Catch 22. My son needs to practice his speech in order to learn to read, but he needs to learn to read. I would be inclined to continue the Efalex with Mac. I have friends who give their " normal " kids Efalex or Eye Q and are happy with them. One thing I have learned on this site each child's experience of dyspraxia or apraxia is different. So whatever works for you do that. The main thing to remember is that you have caught it early enough to make a huge difference to Fletcher. I hope this helps Loreta > > > > Hello All. > > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble > accross > > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this > group > > very informative and helpful. > > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the > ProEFA > > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although > I > > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols' . This brand I > am > > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as > it > > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to > just > > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the > cup > > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has > about > > 10 to start with). > > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out > another 'newbie' > > are these: > > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > > using? > > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > > the same as Gamma? > > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all > constantly, > > but as there is very little known about all this over here and > there > > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate > any > > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > > much help! > > Katrina > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2006 Report Share Posted October 19, 2006 Hi Katrina, I often feel alone and isolated in regards to my son's dyspraxia. I met one lady whose son has verbal dyspraxia. I'm sorry to hear that Fletcher has given up his nap. It will get better, as he grows older. I met a lady whose son has verbal dyspraxia. He is 9 or 10. He was discharged from speech therapy at 9. He now has private tuition for reading. His mother commented that he struggles with school work especially literacy subjects. His younger sister outclasses him in that area. He is a gifted footballer. He was diagnosed early like our guys. I heard him speak and his speech was very clear. He does tend to be shy. I met another lady whose son wasn't diagnosed until 8yrs old, she said was going through a painful divorce and had 5 other children. He had already been suspended once from his school. I haven't kept in touch with these women. When my son was diagnosed with verbal dyspraxia he started weekly sessions with speech therapy and he is still going weekly. My insurance will only pay $400 for speech therapy, the rest is out of our pockets. One lady told me that she gets some sort of benefit from Centrelink as a carer for her son's dyspraxia. We attend private speech therapy. He has been lucky enough to have the same speech therapist since he was 17 months old. Just this morning his speech therapist commented on just how far he has come along since the day she first met him. He is in a mainstream school and started Grade One this year. I live in Queensland and the prep year doesn't start until 2007. I really wanted him to do prep as they were trialling one class this year. His preschool teacher (who I respect very highly) felt that my son needed to be a structured environment rather than a prep where the programme was still play based. His preschool teacher begged me not to waste this year. So I listened to her advice. Unfortunately, the first semster was extremely disrupted, on the school's part. He did not receive the promised help until second term. Consequently he is behind. To make a long story short he has a new teacher and he is doing well. Will it be enough for him to progress to Grade 2, I don't know. I do regret not fighting harder for him. If at all possible Katrina, have Fletcher start school later rather than sooner. I realize the ratios of Omegas is different in Efalex to what everyone gives but I'm getting good results. When I first joined the group I tried to find an omega 3 that my son could swallow. Fish oil, tasted like " dead fish " . So I tried flaxseed oil from capsules. He tolerated the taste. Within 3 days his speech just improved. I had friends comment on how much he had improved. Unfortunately he developed tummy pain. I read that only 10% of flaxseed oil converts to the various factors. So I stopped. But I couldn't forget that glorious 2 weeks of clear speech. I trialled different brands. Then talked about vitamin E. The capsules were tiny and I knew my son would be able to swallow them. So I had him on vitamin E for a couple of weeks, yes he was emotional, but he became more organized, he dressed himself, prepared his school bag and got his library books ready. Then the tummy pain came. I stopped. I couldn't forget that great couple of weeks. I looked for a non soy based vitamin E but failed. So I tried 200 iu, no tummy pain and greatly improved speech. At the moment, my little boy boy is complaining that he is losing his friends at school. He seems to sit by himself at lunch time. We got to school early one morning. His class mates were playing soccer, I suggested that he join the game he said very clearly " they won't let me " . I've tried to explore this with him. I know he can be boisterous and very physical with his older sister. I asked him, " are you mean to your sister " , he replied " sometimes " I then asked " are you mean to your class mates " he replied " No, never, those are naughty to me, those pinch me, those kick me " . I believe him. I have no idea how I'm handle this but I know I will have to speak to his teacher. The second problem for us, my son has a fair amount of homework every afternoon. Once he has finished it he is too tired for his speech homework. I feel as though I'm in a Catch 22. My son needs to practice his speech in order to learn to read, but he needs to learn to read. I would be inclined to continue the Efalex with Mac. I have friends who give their " normal " kids Efalex or Eye Q and are happy with them. One thing I have learned on this site each child's experience of dyspraxia or apraxia is different. So whatever works for you do that. The main thing to remember is that you have caught it early enough to make a huge difference to Fletcher. I hope this helps Loreta > > > > Hello All. > > I am in Australia and have been fortunate enough to stummble > accross > > this wonderfull group - I am unable to find any support groups, be > > it on line or in person within Australia so I have found this > group > > very informative and helpful. > > My almost 3 yo son (Fletcher) has just been diagnosed with Verbal > > Apraxia (we call it Dyspraxia here but it is the same thing!)and > > possibly motor too although we have not been properly tested or > > diagnosed with the motor just yet. I have started him on the > ProEFA > > liquid (half teaspoon per day) and 500iu of E (our E only comes in > > 200iu, 500iu and 1000iu over here). The vitamin E is natural (d- > > alpha tocopherol 335mg) but I cannot find one with Gamma although > I > > have come accross one that has 'mixed tocopherols' . This brand I > am > > using is also water soluble which I have found to be fantastic as > it > > mixes in well with some cordial, unlike the oil which tends to > just > > float on top of the drink and then get left on the bottom of the > cup > > once the drink has been drunk! I have found since starting, that > > Fletcher seems to be babbling alot more rather than grunting > > although we are still not getting any clear words (he only has > about > > 10 to start with). > > My questions for anyone who is willing to help out > another 'newbie' > > are these: > > 1. Is the ProEFA (N.N) liquid OK or should I be using the capsules? > > 2. Does it matter that there seems to be no Gamma in the E I am > > using? > > 3. Should I switch to the E with the mixed tocopherols and is this > > the same as Gamma? > > 4. Is water soluble E OK to use? > > 5. Am I giving the correct dosages of both the EFA and E? > > 6. Why is Nordic Naturals used and not, say, Eye Q? > > I know these are all questions that are asked of you all > constantly, > > but as there is very little known about all this over here and > there > > is no-one else to ask here, I guess I'm just looking for a bit of > > reassurance that I am doing the right thing. I would appreciate > any > > information, tips or ideas that anyone may have for me as I am > > feeling a bit 'lost' with the whole situation! > > Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and providing so > > much help! > > Katrina > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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