I am a new and really need your positive story.

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those who

have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and need

some light at the end of the tunnel.

My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia from a

private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had her

evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said she was

just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can get

services through them also.

So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and I

just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a little

info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her speaking.

She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard time

imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not pronounced

properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh, enh) for

all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning across.

Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

Thuy

[Guest guest]

---Hi there. Can you tell me whhat kind of fish oil, from where, and

how much ? I also have a 2 year old and I am very

confused.

In , " thuyttphan "

<thuyttphan@...> wrote:

>

> Hi All,

>

> I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those

who

> have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and

need

> some light at the end of the tunnel.

>

> My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia from

a

> private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had her

> evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said she

was

> just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can

get

> services through them also.

>

> So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and I

> just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a

little

> info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

> everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her

speaking.

> She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard time

> imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not pronounced

> properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh, enh)

for

> all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning

across.

>

> Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

> Thuy

>

[Guest guest]

Not sure if you know how to search the archives but there are

thousands and thousands of positive stories there. I hope many

answer you as well from our group today -but just in case included a

few archives. You can read a few classic success stories as well at

http://www.cherab.org/information/familiesrelate/success.html

My son Tanner was diagnosed with both oral and verbal apraxia,

sensory integration dysfunction, hypotonia, motor planning deficits

in his body, plus he had issues with constipation for a few years.

The update to my son Tanner is he just turned 12 and he's doing

amazing in every way possible and has been mainstreamed since

kindergarten. No more constipation issues either. If you saw him

you would have no idea what he went through to get to where he is!

And yes there are times now that I have to tell him to stop talking

so much! Like just the other day we were running to get onto Splash

Mountain and there was a line in back of us and he wanted to tell me

something and I couldn't hear him so he stopped running. I had to

say " Tanner just wait to tell me! " No I could not have imagined I

would have ever had said that to him back when he only said " mmmm "

It was work but back in 1999 when he was diagnosed there was not much

info on the fish oils- or sensory issues and hypotonia with apraxia -

or oral apraxia -or apraxia in general. There's even so much more

hope today -and yet my son Tanner and so many others are doing

amazing. Don't underestimate the basics of speech therapy -

occupational therapy -and fish oils with vitamin E. For many of us

that's all we needed. My son Tanner's webpage that I need to update

http://www.cherab.org/information/familiesrelate/letter.html

A great page to hear updates over the years from various apraxic

children (including Tanner -but for his first recording he had

already been on the oils for 8 months and once on oil therapy apraxic

children don't present the same way as " classic " apraxic -good thing!)

http://www.debtsmart.net/talk/index.html

just 2 or 3 archives as I can't fit thousands here! But there are

tons of incredible stories to bring you much hope!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello group!!

I am an " old-timer " who used to be on this list ALL the time. ( -

I did get your message - we have been out of town for spring break,

and since we just got home I haven't had the chance to call yet - but

I will!!)

My son and I have many archives on this list if you would like to know

our story - or just ask and I will share!! (Search Carnell or

Carnell.)

My was diagnosed with possible autistic spectrum disorder (he

had 8 of the 10 characteristics), severe verbal dyspraxia. oral

apraxia, oral hypotonia, GERD (reflux), high anxiety, sensory issues

(and probably more that my " old timer " mind can't remember )when he

was 2 1/2 year old. He was originally diagnosed at Duke Medical

center where they told me he probably would never talk and might not

even be able to " bag groceries. " Needless to say, I don't like Duke

very much!!

is now 10 1/2 years old and in the 5th grade. He is in a

regular class (always has been) and has made straight a's all year on

his report card. He is very bright, very articulate, very talkative,

and an all around great - normal - kid with lots of friends. He is

awesome at all sports and especially likes snow boarding! He still

struggles at writing stories (He HATES to write stories) - but writing

is an extension of language so of course it is hard for him!! He just

knows he has to work harder than everyone else, so he does.

has done so well because of LOTS of therapies, LOTS of tears,

LOTS of struggles, LOTS of patience, LOTS of faith, and LOTS of help

from people on this listserve.

There has been many, many times when I thought things could not get

any worse (he was asked to leave preschool when he was 3 because he

couldn't talk - they wanted to put him on prozac when he was 3

1/2....) just to name a couple......But there have been many miracles

too (finding Helen Kaye, our angel and his old speech therapist -

teaching him sign language - finding fish oil.)

I have been where most of you are, and I can promise you there is a

light at the end of this long, dark, scary tunnel. You have to have

FAITH. Faith in yourself, and faith in your child. Most importantly -

allow yourself to FREAK-OUT every now and then. Mine would always

consist of a bottle of wine and lots and lots of tears. Cry, scream,

say the why me's and get all your anxiety and frustration out. BUT -

when you get up the next morning, be ready to fight and love even

harder than before. You will feel refreshed and ready to go!!!!

I promise to stay on the list and post when I can. If there is any

way I can help please ask. The " old-timers " who were around when I

was beginning this journey were HUGE inspirations to me.....I hope I

can follow in their footsteps.

Carnell

North Carolina

There is a light at the end of the tunnel

vicwhi2000@...

To everyone, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My 8 year old

son, verbal/oral apraxia and also sensory issues, is on his way to

recoverig fully. When he started K two years ago, he was less then 50%

understandable, that didn't stop him. He is very understandable now

and he has the determination like you wouldn't believe. Please do not

give up hope if you are in the greiving stages. They will do better.

Stay strong and focused, don't ever let them see your inner struggle,

believe me there is a lot of inner struggle, isn't there???

Blessings to you all,

Vicki

I just had to write about the tremendous and amazing progress my son

has made in the last five weeks! Everyone is beside themselves at

the improvements we're seeing. His O.T. asked if he's receiving

extra S.T. and his S.T. can't say enough good things about his

behavior, speech, processing, attention, transitioning, eye contact,

enthusiasm toward therapy, ... WOW! For those of you that remember,

we had a terrible experience with his first SLP and requested a

change of service back in early April. At that time, he was

regressing horribly and was developing a HUGE aversion to all

therapy! He would start to cry the minute he saw that particular

SLP's car pull into the driveway and would run away

saying, " No! " " No play! " That flowed over to his other sessions

with therapists he actually liked! As said when she met

him, " He seemed traumatized by therapy! " . He was!

Today, he runs to the door whenever the doorbell rings, full of

excitement yelling, " , ! " or " Lynn!! Lynn!! " He

can barely wait for them to get in the door before he is taking them

by the hand and pulling then into his room saying, " Sit

down! " " Play! " He'll greet them and tell them the first thing he

wants to do - his favorite! When they leave he hugs them and when

the session is over he doesn't want to stop!!! Now he protests when

they LEAVE! He talks about them often and says things like, " Fun

play Lynn. " or " fun blue tunnel. "

We started Pro-EFA April 10th. Since that time he's gone from 80

words to 350+ and speaks in 3-5 words phrases on a consistant

basis. He's even said a few six word phrases! Not only that, he is

beginning to ask " What? " and " Where? " questions and is starting to

say " I want + ... " instead of just saying " more juice " or " go

outside " etc... He counts to 20, knows all shapes and colors and

knows his alphabet! His aggression toward his 23 month old sister

is SO, SO, SO much better too. Best of all, he hugs her and kisses

her of his own volition and if she starts to do something she

shouldn't he'll say, " No, no Ta Ta. " Sometimes he'll even add, " not

safe! " or " no climb Ta Ta! " He'll say things like, " Go play Ta Ta "

if he wants to play with her or " Go away Ta Ta! " if she is bothering

him! :-) (We call her " Tiny " so he says " Ta Ta " ). He understands

concepts like over/under; up/down; in/out; big/little;

open/close ... and says things like " pooh's stuck " ; " fish in

water " ; " going over the bridge, wa wa under the bridge " .

When he tries to say something in speech therapy that his therapist

doesn't understand, he will pat her on the arm to get her attention,

saying, " Lynn, Lynn " and the look on his face shows such

concentration and determination as he tries so hard to say what he

wants to tell her. He now imitates all of the body movements (and

sings along!) to songs like " Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes " ; " No

more Monkeys Jumping on the Bed! " ; " Wheels on the Bus! " , etc... He

is making huge progress with taking turns and sharing and his

patience is phenominal! He will still occasionally throw a toy, but

now when you say pick it up, he will most of the time. In fact,

over all, he follows directions much better. He talks more about

safety, but still doesn't fully understands safety issues yet - but

maybe that is pretty close to typical? Sorry to go on and on, but

after all we've been through these last few months with doctors,

diagnoses and therapy dilemmas, competing opinions, etc... I just

had to share! KIM

~~~~~~~~~~~ new member archive

Don't let it overwhelm you -perhaps we aren't meant to know more

than what we have to know at each stage. We'll be here to help along

the way. It's OK to have any type of emotion when we find out our

child has more than a simple delay -or " more " than " just " verbal

apraxia. And it's OK to be completely overwhelmed and saddened to

find out your child has apraxia. And as I was one of those parents

it's never " just " apraxia when you find out!!!

It's OK to be upset " just " because your child is a " late talker " too!

Please know that I too believed Tanner to just have apraxia and have

my first message posted to a grouplist about that below.but down the

road found out he had a few other things we needed to help him

address. The incredible news is that the majority of our children if

you check history are up to speed to be mainstreamed by kindergarten-

and of course many have learned with communication impaired children

that it's best to start kindergarten at 6 vs. 5 to give them that one

extra year of therapy and developmental time.

If you have questions after reading the following please share them.

This group has always been a wealth of information for all of us, no

matter how long we've been here.

Below is a new member archived message to hopefully answer more of

your questions for now (did you read The Late Talker yet?) For updated

information on fish oils and vitamin E and more - please visit the

links section here

/links

What type of apraxic like speech behaviors are you seeing that makes

you and the SLP suspect your child has apraxia vs. a simple delay in

speech? Is your child talking at all yet? At your child's age -

without speech, it's difficult to diagnose verbal apraxia -they

could " suspect " verbal apraxia and begin treatment just in case,

which wouldn't hurt your child if he ended up just having a simple

delay. Just a few questions before we could provide more accurate

answers:

Does your child have signs of oral apraxia? (for example, can he on

command smile, imitate funny faces, blow bubbles...if you put peanut

butter anywhere around his mouth can he lick it off no matter where

it is?)

http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/oralapraxia.html

Does your child have any neurological " soft signs " such as hypotonia

or sensory integration dysfunction?

http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/parentfriendlysoftsigns.html

Who else evaluated your child? Was it only the SLP through your

town school or was he also in Early Intervention through the state?

(birth to three) Was he evaluated by both a speech pathologist as

well as an occupational therapist? Was/were they knowledgeable

about apraxia? (If your child wasn't diagnosed by an occupational

therapist as well and professionals suspect apraxia -I highly

recommend you request that too either through both the school as

well as private through insurance for many reasons)

To answer any questions you may have about taking your child to see a

neurodevelopmental MD if he has not yet been to one and apraxia is

suspected... in one word - " Yes!!! " I would have your child diagnosed

(private) by a neurodevelopmental medical doctor (developmental

pediatrician or pediatric neurologist) who is knowledgeable about

apraxia and other neurologically based multi-faceted communication

impairments for numerous reasons. Reasons include (but not limited

to)

*having a " hero " on the outside of the school who can assist in a

therapeutic plan and oversee your child's development over the years

*advocacy support with the insurance company

* ruling out or confirming any neurological soft signs or any other

reasons for the delay in speech

*help those that ask " why isn't he talking yet " understand this is a

medical condition -and has nothing to do with your child's cognitive

ability. (if in your child's case it doesn't. Apraxia in itself

does not affect a child's cognitive ability -and speaking early or

late is no indication of a child's intelligence. Also contrary to

popular belief -most who have speech impairments have average to

above average intelligence)

Here's an article written by Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr.

Marilyn Agin that was featured as a cover article in Contemporary

Pediatrics -a trade magazine for hundreds of thousands of pediatric

medical professionals across the US. (I wrote the parent guide)

" The " late talker " -when silence isn't golden

Not all children with delayed speech are " little Einsteins " or garden

variety " late bloomers. " Some have a speech-language disorder that

will persist unless warning signs are recognized and intervention

comes early. Includes a Guide for Parents. "

Podcast interview with Dr. Marilyn Agin from Contemporary Pediatrics

http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/radio_peds4

Actual article (where you can read it for free)

http://drgreene.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?P=Content & ArticleID=132720

or

http://opsc.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?P=Content & ArticleID=132720

My parent guide still works (for free)

http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/contpeds/data/articlestandard/contpeds/492\

\

004/136315/article.pdf

I would also have at least one private " out of pocket " (if possible)

exam with a knowledgeable speech pathologist as well. This SLP can

coordinate with your child's MD, and school therapist and other

professionals, and again be there to assist in a therapeutic plan,

help set goals and oversee your child's development over the years

if needed.

Networking with parents of other speech-impaired children is also

possibly one of the best moves you could make in your child's

recovery. Others will steer you to the " right " professionals and

programs in your area -and you won't feel so alone. I would HIGHLY

recommend joining a whose goal is to unite parents and

professionals. This group

/ is through CHERAB

http://www.cherab.org

The speechville website also has message boards so that you can talk

to other parents on particular topics.

http://www.speech-express.com/boards/

Check your state resources at Speechville to find local support

groups and resources.

http://www.speech-express.com/regional-resources.html

http://www.speech-express.com/communication-station/regional-support-groups.html

(BTW -for anyone who is either running or starting a support group -

due to The Late Talker book and the many who will see your group,

please make sure your info is up at this website and accurate)

For all your other questions including what type of testing -just

read " The Late Talker " . (Nike said 'Just Do It!' -I say 'Just Read

It!') At Amazon.com you can even start today and read sample pages

of the book online!

" The first book to show parents how to tell whether a child has a

speech delay -or a more serious speech disorder

Every parent eagerly awaits the day his or her child will speak for

the fist time. For millions of mothers and fathers, however,

anticipation

turns to anxiety when those initial, all-important words are a long

time

coming. Many worried parents are reassured that their child is " just

a late

talker, " but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Co-author

[Guest guest]

Has anyone used Carnosine?

[Guest guest]

Welcome Thuy

Just from your basic description - doesn't sound like you are in the

weeds. And, I woudn't put too much stock in the apraxia dx... I

call it the new label du jour. It's very subjective - and they are

totally grasping for dx's these days.

My son had no words at 2, no words at 3.. but there was a lot going

on there. However, he is now 5.5 and although unintelligibility is

still an issue - he speaks in full sentances and other than being

full of mercury, lead and other toxic heavy metals (he is vaccine

injured) we are reversing the neurological damage entirely through

biomedical interventions. Speech therapy is a choice, I did do it, I

had the so called best, and I no long bother with it. I spend all of

my financial resources on biomedical interventions to heal the

source. You will see that everyone has an opinion, I recommend that

you do your own research and keep an open mind.

Give the fish oils a trial, you really can't over do it so don't

worry about giving too much. I would start low and slow and get

yourself up to a steady dosing within a few weeks.

Here's a tip... I prefer Nordic Naturals - purity and they are

flavored - the list owner/ has the protocal. Get a medicine

syring, the one with the blue bulb top that can be removed. Cut,

poke or slit the capsules and squirt them into the tube - one finger

on the end. Put the blue top back on, reach around the back of her

in her highchair and aim for the cheek. You can regulate the squirt

easily. Don't give it a second thought if its yucky - she'll get used

to it. I would give it a full 3 months, and I would recommend being

very diciplined about giving them. Start in the am, add a lunch time

and add an evening dose. Get up to your full dose within 2 to 3

weeks max.

And here's another big tip. Don't plan on any mainstream Dr. to

fully endorse anything biomedical. #1 Fact. they have virtually no

training in nutrition #2 Fact. The AMA is doing a horrible job

enlightening our Pediatrician on the true nature of the current

childhood epidemics so unless they do independant study (most do NOT)

they are totally in the dark, and they often if not always confuse

personal opinion with sound medical advise... based on my experience.

Plan on doing lots of research.

>

> Hi All,

>

> I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those who

> have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and need

> some light at the end of the tunnel.

>

> My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia from

a

> private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had her

> evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said she

was

> just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can get

> services through them also.

>

> So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and I

> just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a little

> info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

> everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her

speaking.

> She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard time

> imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not pronounced

> properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh, enh)

for

> all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning

across.

>

> Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

> Thuy

>

[Guest guest]

Hi. I don't know much about fish oil myself. I am getting my info

mostly from the archives here, but with my state of mind right now

(just having Melia diagnosed and my husband out of the country until

Sunday), I am quite confused with the oil info. I want to get the

best one for Melia. So far, it sounds like Nordic Naturals ProEFA is

the one of choice. Yesterday though, I ordered Nordic Naturals

Children DHA (stawberry flavor), but after reading more of the

archives, it sounds like that one is not as good (not the right

formula??). But how can something made for children not be the right

formula fro children? Weird. In any case, my Nordic Naturals

Children is coming via mail, but I am going out today to the vitamin

shops and look for Nordic Naturals ProEFA. I am going to try the

Vitamin Shoppe in my neighborhood. The Nordic Naturals Children cost

about 20 bucks and I think the Nordic Naturals ProEFA will be more

(perhaps 40 bucks).

To the " old timers " : should I throw away the bottle of Nordic

Naturals Children (or I can give them to my older daughter who has no

speech issues) and just give Melia the Nordic Naturals ProEFA?

> >

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those

> who

> > have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and

> need

> > some light at the end of the tunnel.

> >

> > My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia

from

> a

> > private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had

her

> > evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said she

> was

> > just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can

> get

> > services through them also.

> >

> > So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and I

> > just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a

> little

> > info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

> > everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her

> speaking.

> > She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard

time

> > imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not pronounced

> > properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh, enh)

> for

> > all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning

> across.

> >

> > Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

> > Thuy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I will definitely look into this biomedical

intervention. How is it working for you? and exactly, what is it?

Is your insurance covering it? And I plan on calling about seeing a

neurologist today. Hopefully, I can get Melia in soon.

And about the fish oil: which is better? Nordic Naturals Children or

Nordic Naturals ProEFA?

> >

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those

who

> > have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and

need

> > some light at the end of the tunnel.

> >

> > My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia

from

> a

> > private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had

her

> > evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said she

> was

> > just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can

get

> > services through them also.

> >

> > So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and I

> > just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a

little

> > info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

> > everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her

> speaking.

> > She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard

time

> > imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not pronounced

> > properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh, enh)

> for

> > all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning

> across.

> >

> > Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

> > Thuy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for all your info. I loved reading about Tanner.

I have read The Late Talker (several times already). I'll keep

reading and researching...

>

> Not sure if you know how to search the archives but there are

> thousands and thousands of positive stories there. I hope many

> answer you as well from our group today -but just in case included a

> few archives. You can read a few classic success stories as well at

> http://www.cherab.org/information/familiesrelate/success.html

>

> My son Tanner was diagnosed with both oral and verbal apraxia,

> sensory integration dysfunction, hypotonia, motor planning deficits

> in his body, plus he had issues with constipation for a few years.

> The update to my son Tanner is he just turned 12 and he's doing

> amazing in every way possible and has been mainstreamed since

> kindergarten. No more constipation issues either. If you saw him

> you would have no idea what he went through to get to where he is!

> And yes there are times now that I have to tell him to stop talking

> so much! Like just the other day we were running to get onto Splash

> Mountain and there was a line in back of us and he wanted to tell me

> something and I couldn't hear him so he stopped running. I had to

> say " Tanner just wait to tell me! " No I could not have imagined I

> would have ever had said that to him back when he only said " mmmm "

>

> It was work but back in 1999 when he was diagnosed there was not

much

> info on the fish oils- or sensory issues and hypotonia with

apraxia -

> or oral apraxia -or apraxia in general. There's even so much more

> hope today -and yet my son Tanner and so many others are doing

> amazing. Don't underestimate the basics of speech therapy -

> occupational therapy -and fish oils with vitamin E. For many of us

> that's all we needed. My son Tanner's webpage that I need to update

> http://www.cherab.org/information/familiesrelate/letter.html

>

> A great page to hear updates over the years from various apraxic

> children (including Tanner -but for his first recording he had

> already been on the oils for 8 months and once on oil therapy

apraxic

> children don't present the same way as " classic " apraxic -good

thing!)

> http://www.debtsmart.net/talk/index.html

>

> just 2 or 3 archives as I can't fit thousands here! But there are

> tons of incredible stories to bring you much hope!

>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> Hello group!!

>

> I am an " old-timer " who used to be on this list ALL the time.

( -

> I did get your message - we have been out of town for spring break,

> and since we just got home I haven't had the chance to call yet -

but

> I will!!)

>

> My son and I have many archives on this list if you would like to

know

> our story - or just ask and I will share!! (Search Carnell or

> Carnell.)

>

> My was diagnosed with possible autistic spectrum disorder (he

> had 8 of the 10 characteristics), severe verbal dyspraxia. oral

> apraxia, oral hypotonia, GERD (reflux), high anxiety, sensory issues

> (and probably more that my " old timer " mind can't remember )when he

> was 2 1/2 year old. He was originally diagnosed at Duke Medical

> center where they told me he probably would never talk and might not

> even be able to " bag groceries. " Needless to say, I don't like Duke

> very much!!

>

> is now 10 1/2 years old and in the 5th grade. He is in a

> regular class (always has been) and has made straight a's all year

on

> his report card. He is very bright, very articulate, very talkative,

> and an all around great - normal - kid with lots of friends. He is

> awesome at all sports and especially likes snow boarding! He still

> struggles at writing stories (He HATES to write stories) - but

writing

> is an extension of language so of course it is hard for him!! He

just

> knows he has to work harder than everyone else, so he does.

>

> has done so well because of LOTS of therapies, LOTS of tears,

> LOTS of struggles, LOTS of patience, LOTS of faith, and LOTS of help

> from people on this listserve.

>

> There has been many, many times when I thought things could not get

> any worse (he was asked to leave preschool when he was 3 because he

> couldn't talk - they wanted to put him on prozac when he was 3

> 1/2....) just to name a couple......But there have been many

miracles

> too (finding Helen Kaye, our angel and his old speech therapist -

> teaching him sign language - finding fish oil.)

>

> I have been where most of you are, and I can promise you there is a

> light at the end of this long, dark, scary tunnel. You have to have

> FAITH. Faith in yourself, and faith in your child. Most

importantly -

> allow yourself to FREAK-OUT every now and then. Mine would always

> consist of a bottle of wine and lots and lots of tears. Cry, scream,

> say the why me's and get all your anxiety and frustration out. BUT -

> when you get up the next morning, be ready to fight and love even

> harder than before. You will feel refreshed and ready to go!!!!

>

> I promise to stay on the list and post when I can. If there is any

> way I can help please ask. The " old-timers " who were around when I

> was beginning this journey were HUGE inspirations to me.....I hope I

> can follow in their footsteps.

>

> Carnell

> North Carolina

>

> There is a light at the end of the tunnel

> vicwhi2000@...

>

> To everyone, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. My 8 year

old

> son, verbal/oral apraxia and also sensory issues, is on his way to

> recoverig fully. When he started K two years ago, he was less then

50%

> understandable, that didn't stop him. He is very understandable now

> and he has the determination like you wouldn't believe. Please do

not

> give up hope if you are in the greiving stages. They will do better.

> Stay strong and focused, don't ever let them see your inner

struggle,

> believe me there is a lot of inner struggle, isn't there???

> Blessings to you all,

> Vicki

>

> I just had to write about the tremendous and amazing progress my son

> has made in the last five weeks! Everyone is beside themselves at

> the improvements we're seeing. His O.T. asked if he's receiving

> extra S.T. and his S.T. can't say enough good things about his

> behavior, speech, processing, attention, transitioning, eye contact,

> enthusiasm toward therapy, ... WOW! For those of you that remember,

> we had a terrible experience with his first SLP and requested a

> change of service back in early April. At that time, he was

> regressing horribly and was developing a HUGE aversion to all

> therapy! He would start to cry the minute he saw that particular

> SLP's car pull into the driveway and would run away

> saying, " No! " " No play! " That flowed over to his other sessions

> with therapists he actually liked! As said when she met

> him, " He seemed traumatized by therapy! " . He was!

>

> Today, he runs to the door whenever the doorbell rings, full of

> excitement yelling, " , ! " or " Lynn!! Lynn!! " He

> can barely wait for them to get in the door before he is taking them

> by the hand and pulling then into his room saying, " Sit

> down! " " Play! " He'll greet them and tell them the first thing he

> wants to do - his favorite! When they leave he hugs them and when

> the session is over he doesn't want to stop!!! Now he protests when

> they LEAVE! He talks about them often and says things like, " Fun

> play Lynn. " or " fun blue tunnel. "

>

> We started Pro-EFA April 10th. Since that time he's gone from 80

> words to 350+ and speaks in 3-5 words phrases on a consistant

> basis. He's even said a few six word phrases! Not only that, he is

> beginning to ask " What? " and " Where? " questions and is starting to

> say " I want + ... " instead of just saying " more juice " or " go

> outside " etc... He counts to 20, knows all shapes and colors and

> knows his alphabet! His aggression toward his 23 month old sister

> is SO, SO, SO much better too. Best of all, he hugs her and kisses

> her of his own volition and if she starts to do something she

> shouldn't he'll say, " No, no Ta Ta. " Sometimes he'll even add, " not

> safe! " or " no climb Ta Ta! " He'll say things like, " Go play Ta Ta "

> if he wants to play with her or " Go away Ta Ta! " if she is bothering

> him! :-) (We call her " Tiny " so he says " Ta Ta " ). He understands

> concepts like over/under; up/down; in/out; big/little;

> open/close ... and says things like " pooh's stuck " ; " fish in

> water " ; " going over the bridge, wa wa under the bridge " .

>

> When he tries to say something in speech therapy that his therapist

> doesn't understand, he will pat her on the arm to get her attention,

> saying, " Lynn, Lynn " and the look on his face shows such

> concentration and determination as he tries so hard to say what he

> wants to tell her. He now imitates all of the body movements (and

> sings along!) to songs like " Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes " ; " No

> more Monkeys Jumping on the Bed! " ; " Wheels on the Bus! " , etc... He

> is making huge progress with taking turns and sharing and his

> patience is phenominal! He will still occasionally throw a toy, but

> now when you say pick it up, he will most of the time. In fact,

> over all, he follows directions much better. He talks more about

> safety, but still doesn't fully understands safety issues yet - but

> maybe that is pretty close to typical? Sorry to go on and on, but

> after all we've been through these last few months with doctors,

> diagnoses and therapy dilemmas, competing opinions, etc... I just

> had to share! KIM

>

> ~~~~~~~~~~~ new member archive

>

> Don't let it overwhelm you -perhaps we aren't meant to know more

> than what we have to know at each stage. We'll be here to help along

> the way. It's OK to have any type of emotion when we find out our

> child has more than a simple delay -or " more " than " just " verbal

> apraxia. And it's OK to be completely overwhelmed and saddened to

> find out your child has apraxia. And as I was one of those parents

> it's never " just " apraxia when you find out!!!

>

> It's OK to be upset " just " because your child is a " late talker "

too!

>

> Please know that I too believed Tanner to just have apraxia and have

> my first message posted to a grouplist about that below.but down the

> road found out he had a few other things we needed to help him

> address. The incredible news is that the majority of our children if

> you check history are up to speed to be mainstreamed by

kindergarten-

> and of course many have learned with communication impaired children

> that it's best to start kindergarten at 6 vs. 5 to give them that

one

> extra year of therapy and developmental time.

>

> If you have questions after reading the following please share them.

> This group has always been a wealth of information for all of us, no

> matter how long we've been here.

>

> Below is a new member archived message to hopefully answer more of

> your questions for now (did you read The Late Talker yet?) For

updated

> information on fish oils and vitamin E and more - please visit the

> links section here

> /links

>

> What type of apraxic like speech behaviors are you seeing that makes

> you and the SLP suspect your child has apraxia vs. a simple delay in

> speech? Is your child talking at all yet? At your child's age -

> without speech, it's difficult to diagnose verbal apraxia -they

> could " suspect " verbal apraxia and begin treatment just in case,

> which wouldn't hurt your child if he ended up just having a simple

> delay. Just a few questions before we could provide more accurate

> answers:

>

> Does your child have signs of oral apraxia? (for example, can he on

> command smile, imitate funny faces, blow bubbles...if you put peanut

> butter anywhere around his mouth can he lick it off no matter where

> it is?)

> http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/oralapraxia.html

>

> Does your child have any neurological " soft signs " such as hypotonia

> or sensory integration dysfunction?

>

http://www.cherab.org/information/speechlanguage/parentfriendlysoftsig

ns.html

>

> Who else evaluated your child? Was it only the SLP through your

> town school or was he also in Early Intervention through the state?

> (birth to three) Was he evaluated by both a speech pathologist as

> well as an occupational therapist? Was/were they knowledgeable

> about apraxia? (If your child wasn't diagnosed by an occupational

> therapist as well and professionals suspect apraxia -I highly

> recommend you request that too either through both the school as

> well as private through insurance for many reasons)

>

> To answer any questions you may have about taking your child to see

a

> neurodevelopmental MD if he has not yet been to one and apraxia is

> suspected... in one word - " Yes!!! " I would have your child diagnosed

> (private) by a neurodevelopmental medical doctor (developmental

> pediatrician or pediatric neurologist) who is knowledgeable about

> apraxia and other neurologically based multi-faceted communication

> impairments for numerous reasons. Reasons include (but not limited

> to)

>

> *having a " hero " on the outside of the school who can assist in a

> therapeutic plan and oversee your child's development over the years

> *advocacy support with the insurance company

> * ruling out or confirming any neurological soft signs or any other

> reasons for the delay in speech

> *help those that ask " why isn't he talking yet " understand this is a

> medical condition -and has nothing to do with your child's cognitive

> ability. (if in your child's case it doesn't. Apraxia in itself

> does not affect a child's cognitive ability -and speaking early or

> late is no indication of a child's intelligence. Also contrary to

> popular belief -most who have speech impairments have average to

> above average intelligence)

>

> Here's an article written by Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician Dr.

> Marilyn Agin that was featured as a cover article in Contemporary

> Pediatrics -a trade magazine for hundreds of thousands of pediatric

> medical professionals across the US. (I wrote the parent guide)

>

> " The " late talker " -when silence isn't golden

> Not all children with delayed speech are " little Einsteins " or

garden

> variety " late bloomers. " Some have a speech-language disorder that

> will persist unless warning signs are recognized and intervention

> comes early. Includes a Guide for Parents. "

>

> Podcast interview with Dr. Marilyn Agin from Contemporary Pediatrics

> http://contemporarypediatrics.modernmedicine.com/radio_peds4

>

> Actual article (where you can read it for free)

>

> http://drgreene.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?

P=Content & ArticleID=132720

> or

> http://opsc.mediwire.com/main/Default.aspx?

P=Content & ArticleID=132720

>

> My parent guide still works (for free)

>

http://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/contpeds/data/articlestandard/co

ntpeds/492\

> 004/136315/article.pdf

>

> I would also have at least one private " out of pocket " (if possible)

> exam with a knowledgeable speech pathologist as well. This SLP can

> coordinate with your child's MD, and school therapist and other

> professionals, and again be there to assist in a therapeutic plan,

> help set goals and oversee your child's development over the years

> if needed.

>

> Networking with parents of other speech-impaired children is also

> possibly one of the best moves you could make in your child's

> recovery. Others will steer you to the " right " professionals and

> programs in your area -and you won't feel so alone. I would HIGHLY

> recommend joining a whose goal is to unite parents and

> professionals. This group

> / is through CHERAB

> http://www.cherab.org

>

> The speechville website also has message boards so that you can talk

> to other parents on particular topics.

> http://www.speech-express.com/boards/

>

> Check your state resources at Speechville to find local support

> groups and resources.

> http://www.speech-express.com/regional-resources.html

> http://www.speech-express.com/communication-station/regional-

support-groups.html

> (BTW -for anyone who is either running or starting a support group -

> due to The Late Talker book and the many who will see your group,

> please make sure your info is up at this website and accurate)

>

> For all your other questions including what type of testing -just

> read " The Late Talker " . (Nike said 'Just Do It!' -I say 'Just Read

> It!') At Amazon.com you can even start today and read sample pages

> of the book online!

>

> " The first book to show parents how to tell whether a child has a

> speech delay -or a more serious speech disorder

>

> Every parent eagerly awaits the day his or her child will speak for

> the fist time. For millions of mothers and fathers, however,

> anticipation

> turns to anxiety when those initial, all-important words are a long

> time

> coming. Many worried parents are reassured that their child is " just

> a late

> talker, " but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Co-author

>

[Guest guest]

1) Never give up hope. You found something and you will get the help

your child needs.

2) I think if you look at the formula you can work in what you have

plus an added amount for whatever is missing. I would do the math for

you but our fish oil deal differs from the norm here.

You can do this or whatever else your child needs. You need not do it

all in one day and you will find what she needs when she needs it.

Fear not.

a newtimer

> > >

> > > Hi All,

> > >

> > > I am a new member and need some positive stories esp from those

> > who

> > > have seen their apraxic child become talkers. I am scared and

> > need

> > > some light at the end of the tunnel.

> > >

> > > My daughter has just been diagnosed (2 days ago) with apraxia

> from

> > a

> > > private speech therapist. She is 2 years 4 months old. I had

> her

> > > evaluated by Early Intervention when she was 2 and they said

she

> > was

> > > just delayed. I am having EI reevaluate her so my daughter can

> > get

> > > services through them also.

> > >

> > > So...we will be starting speech therapy next week (finally) and

I

> > > just ordered fish oil which should arrive next week. Just a

> > little

> > > info about my daughter Melia: she seems like a regular kid in

> > > everything she does (eat, sleep, play, etc) except in her

> > speaking.

> > > She moves her tongue, lips and teeth fine, but she has a hard

> time

> > > imitating words. She has about 35 words (most are not

pronounced

> > > properly) and uses them appropriately, but grunts (enh, enh,

enh)

> > for

> > > all other words. She uses lots of gestures to get her meaning

> > across.

> > >

> > > Thank you and looking forward to hearing from anyone,

> > > Thuy

> > >

> >

>