Speech Goals

The therapist is very happy with my son's progress, especially in how quickly he's picking up signs. Our goals until we have our next session are: combining up to 5 signs when requesting something, commenting on the world around him using 2-3 signs, and using more than one sign to communicate why he doesn't want to do something. He has no problem telling me, "No," but the therapist wants him to explain why he doesn't want to do something or why he's finished with something. We'll see how it goes.

We'll also be working on the following sounds: boo, bee, bye, bow, moo, me, my, mow.

I'm going to read Play to Talk by James MacDonald and Pam Stoika and see if I can glean some more advice on helping my son to speak. He has no problem at all communicating or interacting with others. He only has issues when it comes to verbal communication. But, that will come.

Now, if only I can figure out how to outsmart him when it comes to electronic gadgets . . . .

What More Can I Ask For?

My son was diagnosed with Down syndrome four years ago,  a few days after his birth. I didn't expect it at all so I was shocked. I remember searching through pages and pages of possible medical conditions on the internet and feeling completely overwhelmed. I had no idea what was in store and I worried that I wouldn't be able to care for my other nine children if I was always in the hospital with my son. My doctor gave me some great advice. He said, "Stop getting on the internet. We'll face whatever medical challenges he might have when, and if, that time comes." Smart doctor.

Turns out my son has not had any medical issues. His heart is normal, his lungs are normal, his bowels are normal, and so are the rest of his organs. Other than when he was born, he has not had any overnight stays in the hospital. He's growing and learning. He's happy. He interacts with all of his siblings. He laughs. He draws (sometimes on the walls). He plays with clay. He can work a mouse on the computer. He is a genius when it comes to all things electronic. He sings, he dances, he performs any chance he gets. He makes us laugh when he raises his eyebrows up and down. He tickles his sister. He gives kisses and hugs. He likes things his own way. He loves to play on the piano. Pretty typical stuff.

He is smaller than other kids his age, but he's so dang cute. It took him longer to walk, but now he runs. He isn't speaking in sentences yet, but he has no problem communicating what he wants. There may be other challenges down the road, but I have to say, "So what?" So what if it takes him longer to speak fluently or to learn to read or to do math or to clean his room (well, my other kids haven't even mastered that one yet).

I'm just thankful he's hea;thy, happy, and he knows he's loved. What more could I ask for?