Guest guest Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 Hi. My son is 2 yrs and 4 months and our SLP told me the other day (after about 2 months now of working with him twice a week) that she thinks he has verbal apraxia. We've also had him evaluated by the state's early intervention and that SLP suspects the same but has said she's still " on the fence. " Anyway, our SLPs are both treating him as though he has apraxia even though they both say he doesn't yet have enough words or imitation to do the test to accurately determine if apraxia is what's going on or if it's just some sort of articulation disorder. My son is finally imitating much more often. He only says beginning sounds though with no consenants on the end. For instance, Mom is Mama, Ball is ba and water is wawa. My question is when is it important to have him seen by a developmental pediatrician? Our SLPs say it's not important since they are already treating him as if he has the diagnosis. What would the Dev Ped do? If both the SLPs think its just apraxia, is there any need to do further testing at this point when he's not even 2 and a half yet? I also ordered the ProEFA Jr and will start that as soon as it arrives. 2 pills a day correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I'd love to hear a success story or two from anyone who's had a child around 2 diagnosed and has seen great improvements. I need to hear some positive reinforcement!! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2007 Report Share Posted May 20, 2007 Hi and welcome- 1st read the late talker try to get as much therapy as you think your son needs, preschool is great- go to the apraxia- kids websit- and you came here to the right lace- you are not alone-charlotte ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2007 Report Share Posted May 20, 2007 Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac and malabsorption which I'll share with you: CBC with differential Complete metabolic panel Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG Endomecial Antibody Antigleiadin Antibody IBD panel Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) Sedimentation rate PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid symptoms) Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a shot at helping your kid. God Bless! Liz wrote: >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are >talking about? > > > >> >> >> >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but >>> >>> >his > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. >>> >>> >This is > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to >>> >>> >help > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. >>> >>>Thank you >>> & >>> >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Thanks! I know what you're talking about when dealing with physicians. My stepmom urged us to take him to their family doctor and he seemed to pretty much put all the blame on us parents. Saying we needed to work with him more after all the tests were finished. He never even mentioned anytime of speech disorder. He was very rude about the potty training issue, my son is potty trained now, but then he was four yrs old and not yet potty trained. That was a very difficult process but we finally got there. I will not go back to that doctor, because of the way we were treated. Right now we are in the process of moving to the Houston, TX area and I'm looking into finding a more helpful physcian. > >> > >> > >> > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > >>> > >>> > >his > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > >>> > >>> > >This is > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > >>> > >>> > >help > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > >>> > >>>Thank you > >>> & > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac and malabsorption which I'll share with you: CBC with differential Complete metabolic panel Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG Endomecial Antibody Antigleiadin Antibody IBD panel Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) Sedimentation rate PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid symptoms) Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a shot at helping your kid. God Bless! Liz wrote: >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are >talking about? > > > >> >> >> >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but >>> >>> >his > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. >>> >>> >This is > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to >>> >>> >help > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. >>> >>>Thank you >>> & >>> >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Look, I am not a doctor, just a mom like you trying to help my kid. My kid, a boy, had the same issues as yours at that age. I listened for far too long to the wait and see crowd and would not do that again if I had the chance. The thing is, a lot of the GI symptoms he may be having he cannot tell you. My guy had ear pain. No infections, just pain and fluid. He never pulled at his ears so I just thought he was colicky. I would do this: Take him to an ENT to check for fluid. ENT's can see more with their scopes. Then ask for a hearing test. See what this brings and ask about the relationship between GERD and ear pain.(some ent's know, some don't so pull the article and show them then ask them about the relationship between gerd and allergies). My kid had a milk allergy too and others that never showed up on the labs because at 18 months their diet is limited. Check with your families and ask if anyone has IBS, back pain, heartburn, thyroid problems, diabetes, and specifically celiac. Ask also about autoimmune disease. I am not a dr. and do not even know if I am right. All my inquiries turned up celiac in my family but to be honest I would have lied and said there was celiac in the family just to get the test because I could tell: 1) When doctors see patients or mom's diagnosing it pisses them off. 2) They and the office staff get overwhelmed by the codes and try to say you do not need this. You still may not get all the labs. If there is a lag between appointment times and now I'd do a gluten free diet and see if you notice a change in abilities, temperament (for the better) and poop. The thing is, if you do get someone to get the labs for you be sure the kid is back on gluten products before testing so you do not get a false-negative. As to the question " Do we really need to do all this? " My position is this: If I can find out if my kids problems are a result of a starving brain and the condition, if left unaddressed, could harm his organs, and cause further harm and all I have to do is go through red tape, have a few folks roll their eyes at me, and get a blood test, why would I not want to do that? As for supplementing, I have no opinion. I pursued malabsorption testing so that I'd know what he needed so I have yet to supplement. If you need to do the ear tube surgery or any other surgery you'll have to stop the fish oil and maybe other stuff (I don't know so you must ask the dr.) temporarily to avoid complications. Plus, I figured the neurodevelopmental pediatrician would want to know. This is just what I think from my experience with my kid. God Bless and best wishes! Liz lauren baron wrote: >My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! > > >Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: > Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac >and malabsorption which I'll share with you: > >CBC with differential >Complete metabolic panel >Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG >Endomecial Antibody >Antigleiadin Antibody >IBD panel >Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) >Sedimentation rate >PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid >symptoms) >Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know >what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) > >Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right >tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good >start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more >likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for >these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a >shot at helping your kid. > >God Bless! >Liz > > wrote: > > > >>We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin >>point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a >>complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is >>nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are >>talking about? >> >> >> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral >>>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>his >> >> >> >> >>>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for >>>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>This is >> >> >> >> >>>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about >>>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. >>>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>help >> >> >> >> >>>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the >>>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. >>>> >>>>Thank you >>>> & >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 21, 2007 Report Share Posted May 21, 2007 Hi , Take it from me, I've been doing this with my dyspraxic son for a while since he is now 12. Your son has many of the symtoms of global dyspraxia though he is rather young yet for such a diagnosis. Remove ALL of the milk products, not just milk. Milk builds up a mucus in the system which results in congestion of his ears; thus affecting his speech, his saliva build-up, his vestibular (thus his gross motor). I found the same thing as you; eliminating the milk solved the diarhea/constipation issues but.... it was still there in the cheese just hiding in the ears! Nasty, nasty, nasty! He ended up with auditory processing issues which is a real pain to eliminate, so don't travel down my road. Just get rid of all of the milk products because it's doing 'nasty' things to his system overall! Your child needs to work on the low tone via strengthening his body core and in his face muscles. The younger you work with this, the better. Take him to the playground daily and have him " hang " from the bars (with you supporting him of course) to build strength, play in the sand to work his tactility, twirl on the tire swing to work his vestibular. Do a lot of walking with him pointing to each opposing toe to work his cross-pattern. Make all of this stuff a game and be upbeat. Give him lots of chewy stuff to eat, play with various types of whistles and horns, bubble blowers and make lots of funny faces at him and try to get him to copy you. Get him into the ENT and thoroughly check those ears! No language = bad hearing. Be prepared to dig in for the long haul. There is no magic pill here, just a lot of hard work. In the end it is extremely fulfilling and you will find this a motherhood that bonds you to your child; you will become closer to your baby than many other moms out there could even fathom. While vitamins are great and nutrition is important, we build a child neurologically through physical exercise and sensory experiences. Thus, once a child is 'healthy', the real work begins. You must incorporate a wide variety of sensory experiences into your child's day working his gross motor, fine motor, auditory channels and visual channels. This can be enhanced through vitamin use but in the end, experience is what counts to the brain and neurological connections. Our children need much more opportunities to solidify their sensory pathways than other kids. I know this doesn't answer your vitamin question but I hope it gives you a little insight. Janice PS. Lactaid is just a band-aid for those 'special occasions', okay? Don't use it daily. [sPAM] Re: [ ] Re: New to Apraxia My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac and malabsorption which I'll share with you: CBC with differential Complete metabolic panel Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG Endomecial Antibody Antigleiadin Antibody IBD panel Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) Sedimentation rate PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid symptoms) Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a shot at helping your kid. God Bless! Liz wrote: >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are >talking about? > > > >> >> >> >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but >>> >>> >his > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. >>> >>> >This is > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to >>> >>> >help > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. >>> >>>Thank you >>> & >>> >>> >>> >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 I really appreciate this. I am moving to gluten free now that the test is over. I'll take him off milk soon after the allergy tests. I knew he had a milk allergy and still must prove it but until then I would like to reduce the damage. Thanks! Janice wrote: >Hi , > >Take it from me, I've been doing this with my dyspraxic son for a while since he is now 12. Your son has many of the symtoms of global dyspraxia though he is rather young yet for such a diagnosis. Remove ALL of the milk products, not just milk. Milk builds up a mucus in the system which results in congestion of his ears; thus affecting his speech, his saliva build-up, his vestibular (thus his gross motor). I found the same thing as you; eliminating the milk solved the diarhea/constipation issues but.... it was still there in the cheese just hiding in the ears! Nasty, nasty, nasty! He ended up with auditory processing issues which is a real pain to eliminate, so don't travel down my road. Just get rid of all of the milk products because it's doing 'nasty' things to his system overall! > >Your child needs to work on the low tone via strengthening his body core and in his face muscles. The younger you work with this, the better. Take him to the playground daily and have him " hang " from the bars (with you supporting him of course) to build strength, play in the sand to work his tactility, twirl on the tire swing to work his vestibular. Do a lot of walking with him pointing to each opposing toe to work his cross-pattern. Make all of this stuff a game and be upbeat. Give him lots of chewy stuff to eat, play with various types of whistles and horns, bubble blowers and make lots of funny faces at him and try to get him to copy you. > >Get him into the ENT and thoroughly check those ears! No language = bad hearing. > >Be prepared to dig in for the long haul. There is no magic pill here, just a lot of hard work. In the end it is extremely fulfilling and you will find this a motherhood that bonds you to your child; you will become closer to your baby than many other moms out there could even fathom. > >While vitamins are great and nutrition is important, we build a child neurologically through physical exercise and sensory experiences. Thus, once a child is 'healthy', the real work begins. You must incorporate a wide variety of sensory experiences into your child's day working his gross motor, fine motor, auditory channels and visual channels. This can be enhanced through vitamin use but in the end, experience is what counts to the brain and neurological connections. Our children need much more opportunities to solidify their sensory pathways than other kids. > >I know this doesn't answer your vitamin question but I hope it gives you a little insight. > >Janice > >PS. Lactaid is just a band-aid for those 'special occasions', okay? Don't use it daily. > > > [sPAM] Re: [ ] Re: New to Apraxia > > > My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! > > > Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: > Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac > and malabsorption which I'll share with you: > > CBC with differential > Complete metabolic panel > Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG > Endomecial Antibody > Antigleiadin Antibody > IBD panel > Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) > Sedimentation rate > PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid > symptoms) > Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know > what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) > > Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right > tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good > start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more > likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for > these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a > shot at helping your kid. > > God Bless! > Liz > > wrote: > > >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin > >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a > >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is > >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are > >talking about? > > > > > > > >> > >> > >> > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > >>> > >>> > >his > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > >>> > >>> > >This is > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > >>> > >>> > >help > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > >>> > >>>Thank you > >>> & > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > >>>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>his > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > >>>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>This is > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > >>>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > >>>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>help > >> > >> > >> > >> > >>>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > >>>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > >>>> > >>>>Thank you > >>>> & > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Please know I am not dissing all docs. I don't think anyone would have caught this stuff with my son. The thing is I am frustrated by the known stuff I asked good docs about and was dismissed. About the GERD/Ear pain thing I asked the ENT if he knew anything about it because I experienced it, read about it and wondered if my son who could not tell me was having it during that screamfest of 18 months, particularly every time I laid him down. He is well-respected, did an awesome job of tubes on my son and was great with running interference when he felt my regular pediatrician was overprescribing meds for ear infections. He's a great guy but does not listen. It's humanity. I am not dissing the docs so much as I am pushing moms to push if they really know something's awry. I hear you on the crazy things on the net (there was a comical episode on Scrubs about that years ago that I often think of when I ask questions) and I do realize the time crunch and totally appreciate your openness and willingness to help. claudia.morris wrote: > >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has >>>>>> >>>>>> >oral > > >>>>>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>his >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for >>>>>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>This is >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about >>>>>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do >>>>>> >>>>>> >next. > > >>>>>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>help >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to >>>>>> >>>>>> >the > > >>>>>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. >>>>>> >>>>>>Thank you >>>>>> & >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 22, 2007 Report Share Posted May 22, 2007 Sorry, should have said 'developmental' instead of global dyspraxia. Here is a link to a fairly good definition: http://www.answers.com/topic/dyspraxia [sPAM] Re: [ ] Re: New to Apraxia > > > My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! > > > Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: > Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac > and malabsorption which I'll share with you: > > CBC with differential > Complete metabolic panel > Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG > Endomecial Antibody > Antigleiadin Antibody > IBD panel > Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) > Sedimentation rate > PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid > symptoms) > Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know > what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) > > Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right > tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good > start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more > likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for > these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a > shot at helping your kid. > > God Bless! > Liz > > wrote: > > >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin > >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a > >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is > >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are > >talking about? > > > > > > > >> > >> > >> > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > >>> > >>> > >his > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > >>> > >>> > >This is > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > >>> > >>> > >help > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > >>> > >>>Thank you > >>> & > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 Liz, Do they actually 'test' for milk allergies in the US? In Canada, we just do 'elimination' diets. I thought you couldn't get a reliable blood test for milk allergies? Of course, we haven't done blood work in a few years, perhaps technology has changed. With regard to fish oils and vitamin E. I have been supplementing my son for probably 6 years now and while I noticed improvement initially, the vitamins have certainly not been a 'cure'. I do continue to supplement him however because I realize that he has an unusual love of seafood. I mean at the age of 6, my son would devour an adult sized portion of muscles lickity-split. He loves salmon, shrimp, oysters, anything and everything with the omega's. So, I know that this child needs the extra supplementation. But... there is no cure in a bottle. At least, none that I've found and I've been searching for many, many years. Of course, we started looking 'pre-internet' and now information and studies are much easier to access. So.... I am still looking! I am definately reading all of the posts here and intend to research the carnitine connection. I have also read about acetyl-l-carnitine and it seems to have some beneficial brain benefits. Also, I wonder if anyone has heard about the use of periwinkle? In the meantime, I have found that good sensory work and a wide variety of experiences is essential. Unfortunately when my child was young, the doctors all told me that he would 'grow out of it'. Well, he didn't. Every success has come with a lot of effort and persistance. Mark is the poster boy for dyspraxia these days. He skiis, water skiis, plays basketball, mountain bikes, does Tai Kwondo, and is willing to try anything and everything new. There was once a time when he couldn't sit in a chair without falling out of it, his dyspraxia was so severe. Saliva just poured out of his mouth and he spoke like he had a sack of marbles in his mouth. He also developed auditory processing issues: (at age 11, he was processing at age 5 but with work is now normal). He used to fall down the stairs chronicly, get lost walking 2 blocks to a friends house (at the age of 10) and I often worried that he would accidently swerve out onto the road in front of cars while bike riding (he did manage to peg the odd parked car). In the house, he would step on anything in his path never looking where he was headed. There was a head-body disconnect. After the age of 6, he became severely ambi-dexterous which the baseball coach loved but I later learned is an absolute 'no-no' for good motor ability. His fine motor is still a 'work in progress' and we work daily at strengthening his fingers but we have the most of the planning issues with gross motor nailed! It's been a lot of work. Work on the child's physical body as young as you can. Neural pathways do develop but they take longer than other kids; practice is key. The brain 'wants' to develop proper connections when a child is young. It is so much harder to work them when they are older like my son: so please don't wait, start now. One thing about dyspraxic children, they develop a 'never-give-up' attitude that truly serves them in life. They are generous, kind and so absolutely giving to others. I'm on the dyspraxia families board and we have all noticed these aspects in our children. Most of the kids there are school aged but we have some moms with younger tots as well. Janice [sPAM] Re: [ ] Re: New to Apraxia > > > My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! > > > Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: > Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac > and malabsorption which I'll share with you: > > CBC with differential > Complete metabolic panel > Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG > Endomecial Antibody > Antigleiadin Antibody > IBD panel > Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) > Sedimentation rate > PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid > symptoms) > Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know > what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) > > Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right > tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good > start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more > likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for > these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a > shot at helping your kid. > > God Bless! > Liz > > wrote: > > >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin > >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a > >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is > >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are > >talking about? > > > > > > > >> > >> > >> > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > >>> > >>> > >his > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > >>> > >>> > >This is > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > >>> > >>> > >help > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > >>> > >>>Thank you > >>> & > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 I don't even know because whatever was done, all the things he clearly is allergic too show negative so at this point the bloodtests are irrelevant and I just need to figure out what to feed him. I think I accidentally discovered my allergy suspicions were right and figured out the way to metabolically help him along with the therapy he already gets. I am so grateful to this board, to Dr. Agin and , and to everyone who responded to me. My kid was and is not that bad off compared to what some kids deal with and because he is young we can get him where he needs to be. I am so thankful for that and for information that helped my daughter (with a nonspeech issue) get help for metabolic stuff I did not know she had. Hopefully I got it in time. As for therapy...you are *so* right. It is the greatest help ever. I mean all kinds of therapy. My guy particularly loves the DI and has high concentration(compared to his peers and older kids) as a result. I also take him to a music class that he is crazy about, as am I. There is an excellent book that I got for like $4 a while back called Endangered Minds, that really delves into that neural pathway stuff in a way that those of us who are not MDs can comprehend and use. The basic message is, play with your kids and expose them to everything because varied experience stimulates the brain and gives them what they need. You are so right about that " never give up " thing. I learn from him daily as I do from all of you. One thing evident on this board is that everyone on here is clearly doing the very best they know how to help give their child the best life possible. I think we may have learned how to do that from the very kids we hope to help because they never give up so how can we? As an aside, thanks for your very practical advice. You really gave some tips in prior posts that helped me a great deal. You have a very lucky (and fabulous) boy with a great mom. God Bless! Liz Janice wrote: >Liz, > >Do they actually 'test' for milk allergies in the US? In Canada, we just do 'elimination' diets. I thought you couldn't get a reliable blood test for milk allergies? Of course, we haven't done blood work in a few years, perhaps technology has changed. > >With regard to fish oils and vitamin E. I have been supplementing my son for probably 6 years now and while I noticed improvement initially, the vitamins have certainly not been a 'cure'. I do continue to supplement him however because I realize that he has an unusual love of seafood. I mean at the age of 6, my son would devour an adult sized portion of muscles lickity-split. He loves salmon, shrimp, oysters, anything and everything with the omega's. So, I know that this child needs the extra supplementation. > >But... there is no cure in a bottle. At least, none that I've found and I've been searching for many, many years. Of course, we started looking 'pre-internet' and now information and studies are much easier to access. So.... I am still looking! I am definately reading all of the posts here and intend to research the carnitine connection. I have also read about acetyl-l-carnitine and it seems to have some beneficial brain benefits. Also, I wonder if anyone has heard about the use of periwinkle? > >In the meantime, I have found that good sensory work and a wide variety of experiences is essential. Unfortunately when my child was young, the doctors all told me that he would 'grow out of it'. Well, he didn't. Every success has come with a lot of effort and persistance. Mark is the poster boy for dyspraxia these days. He skiis, water skiis, plays basketball, mountain bikes, does Tai Kwondo, and is willing to try anything and everything new. There was once a time when he couldn't sit in a chair without falling out of it, his dyspraxia was so severe. Saliva just poured out of his mouth and he spoke like he had a sack of marbles in his mouth. He also developed auditory processing issues: (at age 11, he was processing at age 5 but with work is now normal). He used to fall down the stairs chronicly, get lost walking 2 blocks to a friends house (at the age of 10) and I often worried that he would accidently swerve out onto the road in front of cars while bike riding (he did > manage to peg the odd parked car). In the house, he would step on anything in his path never looking where he was headed. There was a head-body disconnect. After the age of 6, he became severely ambi-dexterous which the baseball coach loved but I later learned is an absolute 'no-no' for good motor ability. His fine motor is still a 'work in progress' and we work daily at strengthening his fingers but we have the most of the planning issues with gross motor nailed! It's been a lot of work. > >Work on the child's physical body as young as you can. Neural pathways do develop but they take longer than other kids; practice is key. The brain 'wants' to develop proper connections when a child is young. It is so much harder to work them when they are older like my son: so please don't wait, start now. > >One thing about dyspraxic children, they develop a 'never-give-up' attitude that truly serves them in life. They are generous, kind and so absolutely giving to others. I'm on the dyspraxia families board and we have all noticed these aspects in our children. Most of the kids there are school aged but we have some moms with younger tots as well. > >Janice > > > [sPAM] Re: [ ] Re: New to Apraxia > > > > > > My son is 18 1/2 months old and can say only 2 words and a few sounds. 2 SLP's says he has low oral motor tone and ?apraxia- maybe too early to tell. She told us to see an OT and we just went for an evaluation. She told us he has low tone in the trunk and is hyposensitive. A few months ago I wasjust hoping for " speech delay " . This is all new to us. Do I need to test him for all of these? His only digestive issue is that whole milk causes diarrhea so he is on lactaid, but he is fine with all other dairy products. We will see a developmenatl ped. in a few weeks. Would they know to test for any of these things? We started my son on NN Omega 3-6-9 (half an adult capsule a day) Should I be giving the jr version? The pediatrician told me it's not a good idea to give the Vit E so I was scared to try that. I think the fish oils may be helping some. Thanks for any feedback!!! > > > > > > Liz <lizlaw@...> wrote: > > Look, there are specific tests, I only know what I was told for celiac > > and malabsorption which I'll share with you: > > > > CBC with differential > > Complete metabolic panel > > Celiac panel to include IGA, TTG > > Endomecial Antibody > > Antigleiadin Antibody > > IBD panel > > Carnitene level (for my own peace of mind to rule in or out apraxia) > > Sedimentation rate > > PTPTTT (for my daughter with no speech symptoms but celiac and thyroid > > symptoms) > > Direct Measurement of vitamin levels A,D, E, K, and B12 (you can't know > > what they need if you do not know what they are absorbing) > > > > Understand something, sometimes the drs do not think of all the right > > tests. It is likely all of the above were not done so that is a good > > start. Some tests need repeating. The longer things go on the more > > likely something might show up. If your gut says to do it again, beg for > > these tests. They will think you are crazy but who cares if you have a > > shot at helping your kid. > > > > God Bless! > > Liz > > > > wrote: > > > > >We've already went through all the pediatrician visits trying to pin > > >point a specific problem. The pediatrician did blood work and a > > >complete physical along with hearing tests and he said there is > > >nothing physically wrong that is the cause. If that is what you are > > >talking about? > > > > > > > > > > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > > >>> > > >>> > > >his > > > > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > > >>> > > >>> > > >This is > > > > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > > >>> > > >>> > > >help > > > > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > > >>> > > >>>Thank you > > >>> & > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2007 Report Share Posted May 23, 2007 > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >>>Hi, my name is and I have a six year old son that has oral > > >>>apraxia. He hasn't been officially diagnosed with apraxia, but > > >>> > > >>> > > >his > > > > > > > > >>>speech therapist and pathologist at school have both agreed for > > >>>educational purposes they will classify him as having apraxia. > > >>> > > >>> > > >This is > > > > > > > > >>>all knew to me, I have done some research on the internet about > > >>>apraxia, but I'm pretty much at a stand still at what to do next. > > >>>Right now my son uses a word book that we have made for him to > > >>> > > >>> > > >help > > > > > > > > >>>communicate. We enforce him to say each word as he points to the > > >>>object. I'm asking for any help or advice you may have. > > >>> > > >>>Thank you > > >>> & > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 It is time to educate the teacher on what verbal apraxia is. Start printing off and highlighting the information the teacher needs to read to help your child in the classroom. " CAS has much more effect on volitional (voluntary, creative) speech than on automatic speech. This means that the more your child wants to communicate a particular message, the harder it will be! " Hope this helps you, Tina http://www.tayloredmktg.com/dyspraxia/das.shtml#characteristics Also, avoid any power struggle situations in which you are requiring the child to say a words before he can have something he wants. In general, you want to avoid criticizing or correcting your child's speech. You also want to avoid putting the child on display. http://www.hsdc.org/Patient/Speech/devapraxia.htm Have fun! The less pressure there is on the child to speak and imitate sounds, the more successful they will be. You can model sounds repeatedly in play without requiring a response. A child will often produce more sounds when the pressure is reduced. http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~velleman/cas.html CAS has much more effect on volitional (voluntary, creative) speech than on automatic speech. This means that the more your child wants to communicate a particular message, the harder it will be! So, if you happen to hear her/him say something once when there is no pressure, and you say, " Say it again! " , you are guaranteeing that she/he won't be able to. It is vital to put a minimum of communication pressure on the child. Don't ever say " You can't have it unless you say it first " -- that's sheer torture for a child with CAS. > > Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal > apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. > She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to > speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my > question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack > because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind > her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The > teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do > that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher > is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will > try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I > thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even > signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from > her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long > but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want > to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. > Thanks for your help! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 As the mom of a nonverbal son, this really upset me. If the teacher wants some sort of acknowledgement for the snack, she should hand over hand sign " thank you " with your daughter. If she can't say it and the teacher wants to hear an attempt, they should work on it during her speech therapy at school. But witholding a snack at snack time is cruel. Once these kids can say a word, then they should be prompted to use it all the time. But if she can't say it right now, how can they punish her for that? -------------- Original message -------------- From: " Amy " <waterlilie@...> Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 Hi Amy Will the teacher let her sign thank you instead of vocalizing it for now? Sharon Amy <waterlilie@...> wrote: Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. Thanks for your help! The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential, proprietary, and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers. Sharon Lang __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 I am sure the teacher is not intending to be harmful but she clearly needs to be educated on what apraxia is and means. Maybe bring in information for her or even ask your child's speech therapist to write something for you. For your daughter to be withheld snack when the rest of the class is eating their's is really unfair and ineffective. Good luck! klbushey@... wrote: As the mom of a nonverbal son, this really upset me. If the teacher wants some sort of acknowledgement for the snack, she should hand over hand sign " thank you " with your daughter. If she can't say it and the teacher wants to hear an attempt, they should work on it during her speech therapy at school. But witholding a snack at snack time is cruel. Once these kids can say a word, then they should be prompted to use it all the time. But if she can't say it right now, how can they punish her for that? -------------- Original message -------------- From: " Amy " <waterlilie@...> Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 I know you've already received a lot of responses, and I didn't read them all, but no - that teacher is using a technique that is terribly inappropriate for an apraxic child. If you have to go so far as to call an IEP meeting into session, I would. She should model the word that she wants - and beyond that - at this point she may just need to model the LETTER SOUND that she wants. " Thank " is way to hard for a severely apraxic child (I know because I have one). If I were to work on " thank you " with my child I would start with /a/ and /oo/. Or better yet, as I did see in one post - work on signing it first. > > Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal > apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. > She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to > speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my > question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack > because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind > her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The > teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do > that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher > is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will > try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I > thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even > signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from > her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long > but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want > to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. > Thanks for your help! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 I worry that this approach will only ad to her frustration at this point. There may be a time when she is able to make more sounds or say a few words where an approach like this can be of benefit, but not now. I had an ST for my son when he was three and she would shut his bedroom door and hold it closed until he said OPEN... he was unable to say OPEN and he became very frustrated. Luckily I fired her and a much smarter ST took her place and used a much nicer approach with him like gaining his trust and being a playmate... this person brought sounds out in my son based on her approach. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2007 Report Share Posted October 18, 2007 Someone posted this letter back in Sept. and I kept it. Perhaps this may help. Colleen Dear teachers, This year you'll be having my very special child in your class. When you look at my child, you will see eyes that light up and are full of life. He looks like the other children in your classroom. But my child has lived with a lot of silence and a great struggle to communicate. My child has Apraxia of Speech. Childhood Apraxia of Speech is a speech disorder that is both difficult to diagnose and challenging to treat. Children with apraxia know what they want to say the words are in their heads but often the child is not able to produce the words clearly. For unknown reasons, children with apraxia have great difficulty planning and producing the precise, highly refined and specific series of movements of the tongue, lips, jaw and palate that are necessary for intelligible speech. As one expert has said, The problem occurs when the brain tries to tell the muscles what to do -- somehow that message gets scrambled. It's like trying to watch cable TV stations without the right descrambler. There is nothing wrong with the TV station, and nothing wrong with your set. It's just that your set can't read the signal that the station is sending out. The child's language- learning task is to figure out how to somehow unscramble the mixed message his brain is sending to his muscles. Children with apraxia, however, do understand language and speech. These children are smart! However, others might mistake and misjudge their unclear speech or quietness as a lack of intelligence. Many children with apraxia experience a great sense of failure and frustration in their attempts to communicate. Some children grow even quieter; others may act out their frustration. Children with apraxia need the support of teachers and parents. What you can do A speech-language pathologist (SLP) needs to help my child learn to speak with more ease and clarity. It will help my child if you communicate frequently with the SLP and determine if there are things that you can do in the classroom to help my child communicate and practice speech. Try to create a tension-free and interesting " communication environment " for my child. Encourage but do not insist he try to speak. Praise his attempts at speech, if only for effort. Please know that sometimes my child might not respond or might respond " I don't know " as a way to help himself get out of a difficult communication challenge. Be patient. Sometimes the fast pace of others can leave my child out of the experience although he may be able to successfully communicate if others just offer a bit more time and patience. Watch for and even create opportunities to help my child make friends. It can be difficult for a child with apraxia to " break into " social communication and situations. A supportive and nurturing teacher can surely help. No child should be lonely and all children need a friend. Intervene immediately in any situations that involve bullying or teasing. Reassure my child that you are his supporter and advocate and that no teasing is acceptable. Be aware that sometimes children with apraxia are also physically uncoordinated, making competitive sports or even drawing, cutting, and other motor tasks difficult. If you notice something, please do bring it to my attention so we can work together to help my child. Keep alert for any other signs of learning difficulty. Sometimes children with apraxia have difficulty learning to read, write, spell or do math. Be open to alternative ways my child may need to communicate. Often pictures can help my child as a bridge to clear speech, helping us gain insight into his thoughts. Include me as your partner. I want very much to help my child and to do everything possible to help him or her. I hope we will always reach out to communicate and share information with each other for the benefit of my child. With appreciation, [ ] Re: new to apraxia I know you've already received a lot of responses, and I didn't read them all, but no - that teacher is using a technique that is terribly inappropriate for an apraxic child. If you have to go so far as to call an IEP meeting into session, I would. She should model the word that she wants - and beyond that - at this point she may just need to model the LETTER SOUND that she wants. " Thank " is way to hard for a severely apraxic child (I know because I have one). If I were to work on " thank you " with my child I would start with /a/ and /oo/. Or better yet, as I did see in one post - work on signing it first. > > Hi everyone. We were recently told our 3 year old has severe verbal > apraxia. She has recently started preschool with the public schools. > She had been receiving Early Intervention for about a year due to > speech delays and Sensory Processing Disorder. Anyway..here is my > question. At preschool the other day the teacher withheld snack > because my duaghter wouldn't say thank you. I tried to politely remind > her that she isn't being rude, she really can't say the word. The > teacher wants some sort of attempt at a sound. My daughter won't do > that. If she can't say it she shuts down. The thought from the teacher > is that the more they push her and take things away the more she will > try to at least attemp to make a sound. I guess I am confused. I > thought that she really was unable to make attempts at a sound..even > signing is hard for her. Will pushing/bribing/taking things away from > her help to bring about an attempt at talking? Sorry this is so long > but I am just so frustrated. I really like her teacher and don't want > to cause a scene if I'm not understanding what apraxia is all about. > Thanks for your help! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2007 Report Share Posted October 19, 2007 My son with severe apraxia also shut down when asked to do things he could not do (it's not a behavior thing). It was also almost impossible for him to sign due to motor planning issues. He thrives in his school because it is a POSITIVE environment. He felt safe to TRY and make mistakes. It took almost a year at this school and EFAs for him to finally start signing at almost 5 years old (mind you we had been signing with him since age 2). Positive reinforcement will win over negative every single time. For him, watching the signs (because he notices everything) is more helpful than even the teachers moving his arms to mimick the signs. So she should be signing and saying and using pictures to give your daughter any possible way to respond. Eye contact is also considered a response and should be praised. There is a sit down with this teacher - and possibly school - so that any child with apraxia can thrive there. Good luck and keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2007 Report Share Posted October 19, 2007 Amy, I'd also go w/ the signing if she's able to do that. Remind her teacher (is she a public prek teacher?) of her issues and ask that she say the word, do the sign and maybe even a picture cue (your daughter could point to) would do for whatever she's asking of your daughter. As a special education teacher, taht's what I do (both at school and at home w/ my son). Good luck. Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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