Bug has started pointing out some of the foods in The Very Hungry Caterpillar! Yay! Hopefully we can build build build on that, so we can point out objects to him and him to us. Not just in books, but out and about. It would be so helpful!
I've also noticed that he is starting to say "No" in a more meaningful way. As in, I ask him if he wants something, and he says no. Then I ask about something else. And he says no. Or please if he does want it. I'd like to get "yes" worked into his vocab too. (Although there's nothing wrong with please, it's at least polite!)
The other thing I've noticed (that I forgot to mention in the last post) is that Bug is starting to repeat things he hears. He does this with TV a lot anyway, but even when we are in stores and he hears something over the intercom, sometimes he'll repeat it. I know that he is very aware. Yesterday during speech, Kerry was reading a book, and Bug was just chilling out, "ignoring" her. But when she got to a part he liked, he smiled big. He knows. I need to do a better job making sure that we don't "talk in front of him" about our concerns. He needs to hear uplifting and empowering things. :)
Adam had the good idea to use a timer on my phone to help me with remembering to do our sensory activities. I did it yesterday with good success, today not as much. I need to get into the habit though. Personally, I struggle with schedules and routines so I need to be more intentional about it.
I also inquired about trying out a Romp N Roll class, so I'm hoping we can get the ball rolling on that. It is expensive, but if Bug enjoys it I think it could be a very good thing for him.
We didn't get any "homework" for speech, just need to continue doing what we're doing. We have a three day weekend because of Labor Day, so I'm hoping to get things done so I can really focus on incorporating our therapies. Slow and steady...
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
We made it to church!
Bug loves Starfall. It's a good opportunity for him to learn and practice the alphabet, phonics and of course, words! We have been letting him spend some time with us every day exploring the site. At first, he would just watch us. Then he would grab our hand to point to letters. Now he points to letters himself, knows lots of the words and sounds that accompany each letter. It's amazing to see how fast he's memorizing them!
We've been trying to work with him to get the correct number of syllables for each word (even if they're not the right syllables). Usually, Bug just says the first syllable for each word. He usually drops off the last consonant sound too. This can make understanding him EXTREMELY difficult, which is frustrating for both of us. Our speech therapist has encouraged us to clap or tap out syllables to help him notice the difference. Slowly, he's adding a number of multi-syllable words to his vocabulary. Yesterday we heard "do-noh-saw" for dinosaur, which is seriously awesome (seeing as we started at just "doe". Apple also has two syllables now. So we are making good progress.
I'm struggling a bit to incorporate the sensory diet. I've never been a schedule type person, so it's difficult for me to remember to do his tactile "exercises" every two hours. I might need to set an alarm until I get into the habit. That being said, he does seem to really enjoy them.
On Friday, I took Bug on a little "date". Adam and I decided that on his Fridays off, one of us would take Bug for some quality one-on-one time. It can be difficult to get Bug the attention he needs while Wiggle is up during the day, and one-on-one time also gives us a chance to focus on his therapies more. I brought him to the library. We'd only gone one other time, well over a year ago. Unfortunately, we didn't get off to a great start because I think he thought we were at a doctor's office so he kind of freaked out. Once I got him in the building, he took a while to "warm up" enough for me to put him down. Then he discovered that there were lighting inside of the foyer we entered before the kids area and spent most of his time in there. I picked out a few books, checked out, and as Bug's behavior started getting bad, we headed out. It was a bit frustrating, but he was kind of tired, so I'm sure that didn't help.
We did make it to church yesterday. It was a bit rough, but overall I feel like it was a good start. We weren't too excited about going since both boys got up super early, but we made it there. Of course, Bug started crying as soon as we pulled in the parking lot. I had told him prior that we were going to church, but I would stay with him in the nursery, that I wouldn't leave. As we walked into the building, he was really really crying, so I kept assuring him that I would be with him the whole time. Adam and I split up (so he didn't have to see Adam go) and I managed to get both boys into the nursery and sat down. It took a bit, but probably within 10 minutes he calmed down enough to play with toys in my lap, at about 30 minutes he was secure enough to leave my side for a snack at the table and then he took off on his own. I also got to talk to the main caretaker there. She apparently works for a physical therapy clinic, so she's not unfamiliar with our challenges with Bug. She was extremely supportive and said that when he ages out of Early Intervention (at age 3) she knows some good OTs and STs if we need to continue therapy.
Adam came to get us for communion. Bug started panicking again about going into the church, so we decided that was a good enough start and to try to keep things as positive as possible. Our goal is to decrease the amount of time I spend in the nursery. Next week I plan on leaving once he's comfortable enough to leave my side. Hopefully this becomes earlier and earlier as he becomes more familiar with the nursery and the kids. We definitely feel like we need to consistently go to make the whole process more routine and less scary.
It can be so tough to handle social situations. I think he finds them very overwhelming and overstimulating. Obviously, because he struggles with speech, he can't exactly tell us what's wrong or what he'd like to do or not do or how we can help. I have to try very hard to keep things positive and push his limits a bit without completely freaking him out. Still every outing we have, every interaction, is another experience for him, an opportunity for us to practice and learn and interact. This week is just our speech week, so I'm trying to find good opportunities for socialization and experience outside of the home. Plus we have to take advantage of the beautiful weather!
We've been trying to work with him to get the correct number of syllables for each word (even if they're not the right syllables). Usually, Bug just says the first syllable for each word. He usually drops off the last consonant sound too. This can make understanding him EXTREMELY difficult, which is frustrating for both of us. Our speech therapist has encouraged us to clap or tap out syllables to help him notice the difference. Slowly, he's adding a number of multi-syllable words to his vocabulary. Yesterday we heard "do-noh-saw" for dinosaur, which is seriously awesome (seeing as we started at just "doe". Apple also has two syllables now. So we are making good progress.
I'm struggling a bit to incorporate the sensory diet. I've never been a schedule type person, so it's difficult for me to remember to do his tactile "exercises" every two hours. I might need to set an alarm until I get into the habit. That being said, he does seem to really enjoy them.
On Friday, I took Bug on a little "date". Adam and I decided that on his Fridays off, one of us would take Bug for some quality one-on-one time. It can be difficult to get Bug the attention he needs while Wiggle is up during the day, and one-on-one time also gives us a chance to focus on his therapies more. I brought him to the library. We'd only gone one other time, well over a year ago. Unfortunately, we didn't get off to a great start because I think he thought we were at a doctor's office so he kind of freaked out. Once I got him in the building, he took a while to "warm up" enough for me to put him down. Then he discovered that there were lighting inside of the foyer we entered before the kids area and spent most of his time in there. I picked out a few books, checked out, and as Bug's behavior started getting bad, we headed out. It was a bit frustrating, but he was kind of tired, so I'm sure that didn't help.
We did make it to church yesterday. It was a bit rough, but overall I feel like it was a good start. We weren't too excited about going since both boys got up super early, but we made it there. Of course, Bug started crying as soon as we pulled in the parking lot. I had told him prior that we were going to church, but I would stay with him in the nursery, that I wouldn't leave. As we walked into the building, he was really really crying, so I kept assuring him that I would be with him the whole time. Adam and I split up (so he didn't have to see Adam go) and I managed to get both boys into the nursery and sat down. It took a bit, but probably within 10 minutes he calmed down enough to play with toys in my lap, at about 30 minutes he was secure enough to leave my side for a snack at the table and then he took off on his own. I also got to talk to the main caretaker there. She apparently works for a physical therapy clinic, so she's not unfamiliar with our challenges with Bug. She was extremely supportive and said that when he ages out of Early Intervention (at age 3) she knows some good OTs and STs if we need to continue therapy.
Adam came to get us for communion. Bug started panicking again about going into the church, so we decided that was a good enough start and to try to keep things as positive as possible. Our goal is to decrease the amount of time I spend in the nursery. Next week I plan on leaving once he's comfortable enough to leave my side. Hopefully this becomes earlier and earlier as he becomes more familiar with the nursery and the kids. We definitely feel like we need to consistently go to make the whole process more routine and less scary.
It can be so tough to handle social situations. I think he finds them very overwhelming and overstimulating. Obviously, because he struggles with speech, he can't exactly tell us what's wrong or what he'd like to do or not do or how we can help. I have to try very hard to keep things positive and push his limits a bit without completely freaking him out. Still every outing we have, every interaction, is another experience for him, an opportunity for us to practice and learn and interact. This week is just our speech week, so I'm trying to find good opportunities for socialization and experience outside of the home. Plus we have to take advantage of the beautiful weather!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
It's funny how skills go in fits and spurts. While I didn't feel like much happened last week, this week we're seeing lots of progress again! I've noticed that Bug is responding more and following simple one-step directions (which is great, because that's one of his therapy goals). He's now pretty good at closing doors when we ask and can even bring us things sometimes. He's started pointing at the letters on Starfall (rather than having us point, or using our hand to point). And huge: the last few days, I've heard him talking. He's using "real" words. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what he was telling me, but I'm feeling very encouraged by this.
We had occupational therapy yesterday and speech today. It was only our second OT session, and Bug was still pretty unsure about Lauren, our therapist. I filled out a sensory assessment (basically a questionnaire about how Bug responds to certain things) so she has a better idea of what his needs are. We are working on introducing the sensory diet a bit more. The first step was the Chewy Tubes (which he's taken to very well!!). Now we're adding in tactile/proprioception activities. Lauren gave us a list of different things we can do or have Bug do to get him the sensory input he needs. Things like firm squeezes on his arms and legs, playing with squishy things like play-doh or shaving cream, moving heavy objects (she suggested he help carry groceries in or moving chairs). The idea is to pick an activity from the list every two hours or so. Once his needs are met, he should hopefully be able to focus a bit better on other activities. So far, Bug is a big fan of the squeezes and I've been using lotion (another thing on the list) and giving him mini-massages. You can just see the processing happen like "Wow, that feels neat!"
Our speech therapist encouraged us to work on clapping or tapping out syllables for words. For example, Bug say "Yo" for "yogurt." If we clap it out that's more input for him that the word is longer. Or when we play "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" tap twice on his shoulders. She did say that it'll be slow going to relearn the words he's known for a while. Young kids don't learn as well using only auditory, so we need to encourage other senses involvement (touch and sight especially). We still need to work on cooperative play. Taking turns reading, putting things away, etc.
We are also looking at other opportunities to introduce FUN social situations to Bug. I discussed Romp N Roll with our OT, and she seemed very encouraging. (Romp n Roll is a kid's gym. They offer classes that mix music or art with physical activity) She said it would be a good way to meet his sensory needs while also encouraging socialization in a way he is likely to find positive. It is kind of expensive, so I think we're going to try out a class before we actually commit.
I also discussed our church issues with our therapist. Bug has a really really tough time going to nursery, but he also isn't really able to sit through a service (especially ours which tend to run 75min or more!). Unfortunately, it's such a negative experience that we've pretty much stopped going to church. We want to branch out and form a good support network at church, but obviously that can't happen if we never go. So our therapist suggested that we try to go to the nursery when no one is there so we can explore things together. Then one of us stays with him the whole time, then every week decrease the amount of time we spend in there. Also talk about going to church--"in a few days" "tomorrow" "today" so he becomes familiar with the routine and the process. Ideally if we could have him connect with one of the nursery staff or be familiar with the other kids who go, he might not have as much trouble adjusting to Mom and Dad not being there.
The two most important things that we have to remember with Bug (and I should write these down and put them everywhere and read them every single day):
Use his strengths (books, memory, physical activity) to "branch out" into more unfamiliar territory
GO SLOW. Baby steps are crucial. He is not going to get "it" all at once.
We are making good progress. I'm feeling excited and encouraged about where we're headed. So steady on!
We had occupational therapy yesterday and speech today. It was only our second OT session, and Bug was still pretty unsure about Lauren, our therapist. I filled out a sensory assessment (basically a questionnaire about how Bug responds to certain things) so she has a better idea of what his needs are. We are working on introducing the sensory diet a bit more. The first step was the Chewy Tubes (which he's taken to very well!!). Now we're adding in tactile/proprioception activities. Lauren gave us a list of different things we can do or have Bug do to get him the sensory input he needs. Things like firm squeezes on his arms and legs, playing with squishy things like play-doh or shaving cream, moving heavy objects (she suggested he help carry groceries in or moving chairs). The idea is to pick an activity from the list every two hours or so. Once his needs are met, he should hopefully be able to focus a bit better on other activities. So far, Bug is a big fan of the squeezes and I've been using lotion (another thing on the list) and giving him mini-massages. You can just see the processing happen like "Wow, that feels neat!"
Our speech therapist encouraged us to work on clapping or tapping out syllables for words. For example, Bug say "Yo" for "yogurt." If we clap it out that's more input for him that the word is longer. Or when we play "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" tap twice on his shoulders. She did say that it'll be slow going to relearn the words he's known for a while. Young kids don't learn as well using only auditory, so we need to encourage other senses involvement (touch and sight especially). We still need to work on cooperative play. Taking turns reading, putting things away, etc.
We are also looking at other opportunities to introduce FUN social situations to Bug. I discussed Romp N Roll with our OT, and she seemed very encouraging. (Romp n Roll is a kid's gym. They offer classes that mix music or art with physical activity) She said it would be a good way to meet his sensory needs while also encouraging socialization in a way he is likely to find positive. It is kind of expensive, so I think we're going to try out a class before we actually commit.
I also discussed our church issues with our therapist. Bug has a really really tough time going to nursery, but he also isn't really able to sit through a service (especially ours which tend to run 75min or more!). Unfortunately, it's such a negative experience that we've pretty much stopped going to church. We want to branch out and form a good support network at church, but obviously that can't happen if we never go. So our therapist suggested that we try to go to the nursery when no one is there so we can explore things together. Then one of us stays with him the whole time, then every week decrease the amount of time we spend in there. Also talk about going to church--"in a few days" "tomorrow" "today" so he becomes familiar with the routine and the process. Ideally if we could have him connect with one of the nursery staff or be familiar with the other kids who go, he might not have as much trouble adjusting to Mom and Dad not being there.
The two most important things that we have to remember with Bug (and I should write these down and put them everywhere and read them every single day):
Use his strengths (books, memory, physical activity) to "branch out" into more unfamiliar territory
GO SLOW. Baby steps are crucial. He is not going to get "it" all at once.
We are making good progress. I'm feeling excited and encouraged about where we're headed. So steady on!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Learning to Slow Down
So today is not going quite as well for us. We did have one really really positive interaction that I need to note:
Bug was chewing on one of the pieces of plastic food and I said "Oh, you need to chew? You have a Chewy Tube over there." And I pointed to it. He looked where I was pointing. And knew what I was talking about enough to find it. Then he took the plastic food out of his mouth, and put the Chewy Tube in. YAY! Again, this sound so trivial, but I think might be the first time this has ever happened. It's actually a really big step forward. We really want him to be able to point to things, and to get things that we point to. Think about interacting with a toddler. Pointing, gestures, make up a huge part of your interaction. It's how you know what they're talking about, a lot of times. It's how you know they understand you. And we don't have that.
Other than that, today has been kind of frustrating. I feel like Bug is running on high today. Everything is being taken out and dumped and then left. He intentionally dumped out his cup all over the floor. Pulling things down. Emptying the fridge. He's tripping all over things, slipping and sliding. We walked over to the park and he was running ahead and skinned his knee. Then he didn't want to play much, so we went for a walk on the trails. When I said it was time to go, he initially was fine with it, and then took off running in the opposite direction. When I grabbed him and we walked back, he slipped on loose gravel and skinned the other knee. sigh And lunch has been abandoned.
So we're going to try to slow down the afternoon a bit. I made him help me clean up some of the stuff he dumped (He actually put all the pieces in a puzzle he dumped, which is awesome!!! Although he wouldn't do the next puzzle). We're watching tv now. I'm not sure what it is about today. I guess his sensory stuff is off? Maybe he didn't sleep well? But he's doing things so fast nothing is processing and he's hurting himself and I'm getting tired and frustrated.
The park was hard and maybe not the best idea on a "bad day." The park is always hard. If there is no one there, I don't think he minds, and we can go up and play with him more easily. But today it was quite busy. He did go play a little bit. Had a couple of interactions--one girl who was rather possessive/defensive about the playground and pushed Bug. He just looked at her kind of like "Huh. What are you doing?" A younger girl was sweet and smiley at us, and they had to learn how to get past each other in the tunnel. Good interactions, experience. But then he was done and wanted to sit in the stroller so we went for our walk. It's hard. It's hard to see kids who are much younger talking and interacting and acting normal and it feels so glaringly obvious that Bug is different. It's probably not that obvious. But as we left I couldn't help but feel a little bit bad about it. I worry sometimes that this is my fault, that I didn't give him enough social interaction. I know that there is both a nature and a nurture component to his delays. I know that even if it's hard, I need to encourage social situations and interactions when I can. Encouraging him to say "hi" to people. Taking turns on the playground with other kids. Seeing how they play, trying to play with them. I also need to respect that when he's done, he's done.
Bug's memory is so good, I really worry that if something becomes negative, then that's what he thinks of every time that situation occurs. So for example, we go to the doctor when he's sick and they have to look in his ears which hurt...that's what he remembered and then every time we go he freaks out because of that. Or today, he skinned his knee at the park and I worry that next time we go, he won't play because he was hurt today.
I feel like a huge part of my job is to be gently persistent with him and brave enough to encourage situations even if they may not go well. He does often surprise us and respond very well. And it's important that no matter what I feel, I try to think positively and not subconsciously affect the situation with my mood--because he can definitely pick up on that.
Big post today. Sorry. I guess I needed to vent.
Bug was chewing on one of the pieces of plastic food and I said "Oh, you need to chew? You have a Chewy Tube over there." And I pointed to it. He looked where I was pointing. And knew what I was talking about enough to find it. Then he took the plastic food out of his mouth, and put the Chewy Tube in. YAY! Again, this sound so trivial, but I think might be the first time this has ever happened. It's actually a really big step forward. We really want him to be able to point to things, and to get things that we point to. Think about interacting with a toddler. Pointing, gestures, make up a huge part of your interaction. It's how you know what they're talking about, a lot of times. It's how you know they understand you. And we don't have that.
Other than that, today has been kind of frustrating. I feel like Bug is running on high today. Everything is being taken out and dumped and then left. He intentionally dumped out his cup all over the floor. Pulling things down. Emptying the fridge. He's tripping all over things, slipping and sliding. We walked over to the park and he was running ahead and skinned his knee. Then he didn't want to play much, so we went for a walk on the trails. When I said it was time to go, he initially was fine with it, and then took off running in the opposite direction. When I grabbed him and we walked back, he slipped on loose gravel and skinned the other knee. sigh And lunch has been abandoned.
So we're going to try to slow down the afternoon a bit. I made him help me clean up some of the stuff he dumped (He actually put all the pieces in a puzzle he dumped, which is awesome!!! Although he wouldn't do the next puzzle). We're watching tv now. I'm not sure what it is about today. I guess his sensory stuff is off? Maybe he didn't sleep well? But he's doing things so fast nothing is processing and he's hurting himself and I'm getting tired and frustrated.
The park was hard and maybe not the best idea on a "bad day." The park is always hard. If there is no one there, I don't think he minds, and we can go up and play with him more easily. But today it was quite busy. He did go play a little bit. Had a couple of interactions--one girl who was rather possessive/defensive about the playground and pushed Bug. He just looked at her kind of like "Huh. What are you doing?" A younger girl was sweet and smiley at us, and they had to learn how to get past each other in the tunnel. Good interactions, experience. But then he was done and wanted to sit in the stroller so we went for our walk. It's hard. It's hard to see kids who are much younger talking and interacting and acting normal and it feels so glaringly obvious that Bug is different. It's probably not that obvious. But as we left I couldn't help but feel a little bit bad about it. I worry sometimes that this is my fault, that I didn't give him enough social interaction. I know that there is both a nature and a nurture component to his delays. I know that even if it's hard, I need to encourage social situations and interactions when I can. Encouraging him to say "hi" to people. Taking turns on the playground with other kids. Seeing how they play, trying to play with them. I also need to respect that when he's done, he's done.
Bug's memory is so good, I really worry that if something becomes negative, then that's what he thinks of every time that situation occurs. So for example, we go to the doctor when he's sick and they have to look in his ears which hurt...that's what he remembered and then every time we go he freaks out because of that. Or today, he skinned his knee at the park and I worry that next time we go, he won't play because he was hurt today.
I feel like a huge part of my job is to be gently persistent with him and brave enough to encourage situations even if they may not go well. He does often surprise us and respond very well. And it's important that no matter what I feel, I try to think positively and not subconsciously affect the situation with my mood--because he can definitely pick up on that.
Big post today. Sorry. I guess I needed to vent.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
So far so good!
We are having a really good morning! Bug took the initiative to put a book away without me asking! It didn't make it on the shelf but the intent was there which is stellar!
I'm also loving the Chewy tubes as a good redirect from chewing inappropriate things. He definitely likes them, and I like not nagging him!
We went out shopping this morning and when we got back, Wiggle's paci dropped on the ground. I asked Bug to get it and he did! Super pumped because he normally doesn't notice what I'm talking about or ignores these requests. He's also very good at putting his shoes away when we get home (although we have to hand them to him).
And finally, I turned on Sid the Science Kid for him and he is so engaged! Repeating words he hears to me, telling me the stove on tv is hot, etc. Love the connections.
One note from yesterday: we got a new comforter set for our room and the family was all on the bed. Bug tucked himself under the covers and said "snug". Realized that he was making the connection from his Word World dvd that has an episode about being "snug as a bug"!!
I know this all seems so trivial, but for us, it's huge. Every word is one more connection made, one more practice to get him to use his words to tell us what he wants and needs and feels!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Chewy Tubes and ABCs
So our Chewy Tubes came today! Yay Amazon! I got a pack of four different ones for Bug to try out. He of course put them into his mouth right away. Started with the green textured one and tried out each one as he jumped around and watched Thomas on Netflix. (I love Netflix. Why did we wait so long to get it!). We will have to see if he gravitates toward a certain one or not.
As I mentioned in the first post on here, one of the things I'm trying to do more is sing little songs to Bug. He really enjoys it, and if we can work in actions, hopefully he'll start participating more. This afternoon I was singing the ABCs to him and every so often I'd stop, to see if he'd fill in a letter. I've tried this a few times, and he knew a couple, but today, he said 8-10 letters!
That's the funny thing about him. He knows so much. He remembers things so well, I'm constantly amazed. You can be reading a book and stop before the last few words, and he can tell you what the words are and usually how the next sentence begins. He knows when to turn the pages in his books. But if you ask him something point blank, he usually won't answer. "Can you count to ten" would be met with silence but if you start out "One," he'll say "Two" then you say "Two" and he'll say "three" and so on. He does get very caught up into routines. Once he figures out how to do something, he'll typically always do it that way. Even if we're at a playground, he'll make his way up the steps to the slide, stop to turn a steering wheel, then go down the slide and then repeat the same sequence over.
It's difficult for me because I wonder how much of his behavior is based off of that idea, that once you have some success, you just keep repeating that same thing. Did we somehow "teach" him not to talk, obviously unintentionally? I know that's an oversimplification of the issue, that his extreme need for routine is a symptom of the issue--whatever that is. But it's difficult to figure out how to help him successfully break out of those routines.
I also wanted to talk a bit about our pediatrician's thoughts. We went in on Friday (just Bug and me, because doctor appointments do not go well) for Bug's 2.5 yr well-child check up. Our pediatrician, Dr. Marks was the one who encouraged me to have Bug assessed by Early Intervention, and as we've been going in often for Wiggle's well-baby checks, he's seen us a good amount so he kind of knows how Bug is. Dr. Marks' thought is to do the 6 months of speech and occupational and then we'll see how far Bug has come and whether there's a more serious issue than a speech delay. While it is possible that Bug lies somewhere on the autism spectrum (high functioning, of course) he does have a lot of characteristics and skills that don't typically fit ASD. So it could be that with a little bit of therapy, we can get our "late-bloomer" caught up.
It's funny, because in some ways, it seems so important to FIGURE OUT IF HE HAS SOMETHING, and yet somehow it doesn't really matter. If we knew he had ASD or SPD (sensory processing disorder), he would still be in the therapies he's in. We'd still have to decide what the best course is for after he leaves the Early Intervention program (Early Childhood, private therapy, etc.). He'll be our Bug no matter what happens, and we'll advocate for him and encourage him all the same.
As I mentioned in the first post on here, one of the things I'm trying to do more is sing little songs to Bug. He really enjoys it, and if we can work in actions, hopefully he'll start participating more. This afternoon I was singing the ABCs to him and every so often I'd stop, to see if he'd fill in a letter. I've tried this a few times, and he knew a couple, but today, he said 8-10 letters!
That's the funny thing about him. He knows so much. He remembers things so well, I'm constantly amazed. You can be reading a book and stop before the last few words, and he can tell you what the words are and usually how the next sentence begins. He knows when to turn the pages in his books. But if you ask him something point blank, he usually won't answer. "Can you count to ten" would be met with silence but if you start out "One," he'll say "Two" then you say "Two" and he'll say "three" and so on. He does get very caught up into routines. Once he figures out how to do something, he'll typically always do it that way. Even if we're at a playground, he'll make his way up the steps to the slide, stop to turn a steering wheel, then go down the slide and then repeat the same sequence over.
It's difficult for me because I wonder how much of his behavior is based off of that idea, that once you have some success, you just keep repeating that same thing. Did we somehow "teach" him not to talk, obviously unintentionally? I know that's an oversimplification of the issue, that his extreme need for routine is a symptom of the issue--whatever that is. But it's difficult to figure out how to help him successfully break out of those routines.
I also wanted to talk a bit about our pediatrician's thoughts. We went in on Friday (just Bug and me, because doctor appointments do not go well) for Bug's 2.5 yr well-child check up. Our pediatrician, Dr. Marks was the one who encouraged me to have Bug assessed by Early Intervention, and as we've been going in often for Wiggle's well-baby checks, he's seen us a good amount so he kind of knows how Bug is. Dr. Marks' thought is to do the 6 months of speech and occupational and then we'll see how far Bug has come and whether there's a more serious issue than a speech delay. While it is possible that Bug lies somewhere on the autism spectrum (high functioning, of course) he does have a lot of characteristics and skills that don't typically fit ASD. So it could be that with a little bit of therapy, we can get our "late-bloomer" caught up.
It's funny, because in some ways, it seems so important to FIGURE OUT IF HE HAS SOMETHING, and yet somehow it doesn't really matter. If we knew he had ASD or SPD (sensory processing disorder), he would still be in the therapies he's in. We'd still have to decide what the best course is for after he leaves the Early Intervention program (Early Childhood, private therapy, etc.). He'll be our Bug no matter what happens, and we'll advocate for him and encourage him all the same.
Catching up
This page will focus on our work/therapy with Bug. We started Speech
Therapy (ST) on July 31st and Occupational Therapy (OT) on August 6th.
At Bug's EI assessment, they determined he was at a solid 18 month old
level for speech and approximately two years for motor skills. They also
indicated that he has sensory issues that may explain why he is so
physical (jumping constantly, LOVES roughhousing, chews on things
constantly) and potentially could explain why he doesn't talk much (if
he has a high threshold for oral sensations, he might not realize how to
make the correct sounds, etc.)
Our biggest concern for Bug is that he doesn't engage in typical or common play for his age. He doesn't seem terribly interested in other kids (although he is definitely aware of them) and won't even play with toys with us. Often, we feel like he wants to interact, but is held back by his lack of talking. He also struggles to understand more complex directions, although can follow simple one step directions, sometimes. We discovered that he actually has a decent vocabulary for his age (~100 words) but he is very limited with phrases. Common phrases "Check mail" "Read book please" "Take bath"
At our first speech session, we worked on finishing tasks. For example, Bug enjoys dumping things out and then taking off for another activity. Instead, we called him back, had him help us put the pieces away. This helps him realize that we finish activities before moving on and gets him to think about natural consequences ("If I take this out, I'm going to have to pick it up") and slow him down a bit too. Kerry encouraged me/us to work on cooperative play (things like he turns pages while I read, etc.) which is a big goal of ours. We also discussed encouraging more 3 word phrases: want ____ please, want more _____ etc.
After this session, Bug mastered "Come with me" (which we had started encouraging before we started ST) and also "Stand up" or "sit up" (it's hard to tell because of his lack of diction). We are also really encouraging the word "Want" and he does sporadically use it correctly! He is becoming a good helper picking up items. He likes to take the condiments out of the fridge and can put them back, sometimes without them being handed to him. We are working on getting him to put books back on shelves.
The first OT session was a little bit less successful because Bug had never met his OT before. (Our speech therapist, Kerry, evaluated him for his assessment, so they had met) The OT and I did a lot of talking about where Bug was at, and where we'd like to go with therapy. She said that his jumping and walking on his toes is how he gets sensory information into his joints. Once Bug is more comfortable, she plans on showing me joint compression techniques to help him get that feedback. We also plan on using a "sensory diet" which is a series of activities throughout the day to help Bug get the sensory input he needs but also allows him to function more "normally" and focus better on regular tasks. I'm still a little unsure of what this will all entail, but we'll get into it more after I fill out a sensory assessment to determine where Bug's needs are.
We also discussed potty training and the OT agreed that we are on the right path. She said that we just need to go s-l-o-w and accept that it will probably take more time that we'd like. However, I'm happy because Bug enjoys sitting on the potty, which is a good first step.
Our final issue we talked about was Bug's chewing. The OT recommended that I purchase "Chewy Tubes" which were initially designed to help kids strengthen their jaws, but are also a safe thing for sensory kids to chew on to get that input. Hopefully these are coming in the mail tomorrow. Our goal is to get him to chew on his Chewy Tubes rather than constantly putting other (inappropriate) things in his mouth. This would be great, as I really really hate having to constantly tell him no, or having him and Wiggle share chewing toys.
Our biggest concern for Bug is that he doesn't engage in typical or common play for his age. He doesn't seem terribly interested in other kids (although he is definitely aware of them) and won't even play with toys with us. Often, we feel like he wants to interact, but is held back by his lack of talking. He also struggles to understand more complex directions, although can follow simple one step directions, sometimes. We discovered that he actually has a decent vocabulary for his age (~100 words) but he is very limited with phrases. Common phrases "Check mail" "Read book please" "Take bath"
At our first speech session, we worked on finishing tasks. For example, Bug enjoys dumping things out and then taking off for another activity. Instead, we called him back, had him help us put the pieces away. This helps him realize that we finish activities before moving on and gets him to think about natural consequences ("If I take this out, I'm going to have to pick it up") and slow him down a bit too. Kerry encouraged me/us to work on cooperative play (things like he turns pages while I read, etc.) which is a big goal of ours. We also discussed encouraging more 3 word phrases: want ____ please, want more _____ etc.
After this session, Bug mastered "Come with me" (which we had started encouraging before we started ST) and also "Stand up" or "sit up" (it's hard to tell because of his lack of diction). We are also really encouraging the word "Want" and he does sporadically use it correctly! He is becoming a good helper picking up items. He likes to take the condiments out of the fridge and can put them back, sometimes without them being handed to him. We are working on getting him to put books back on shelves.
The first OT session was a little bit less successful because Bug had never met his OT before. (Our speech therapist, Kerry, evaluated him for his assessment, so they had met) The OT and I did a lot of talking about where Bug was at, and where we'd like to go with therapy. She said that his jumping and walking on his toes is how he gets sensory information into his joints. Once Bug is more comfortable, she plans on showing me joint compression techniques to help him get that feedback. We also plan on using a "sensory diet" which is a series of activities throughout the day to help Bug get the sensory input he needs but also allows him to function more "normally" and focus better on regular tasks. I'm still a little unsure of what this will all entail, but we'll get into it more after I fill out a sensory assessment to determine where Bug's needs are.
We also discussed potty training and the OT agreed that we are on the right path. She said that we just need to go s-l-o-w and accept that it will probably take more time that we'd like. However, I'm happy because Bug enjoys sitting on the potty, which is a good first step.
Our final issue we talked about was Bug's chewing. The OT recommended that I purchase "Chewy Tubes" which were initially designed to help kids strengthen their jaws, but are also a safe thing for sensory kids to chew on to get that input. Hopefully these are coming in the mail tomorrow. Our goal is to get him to chew on his Chewy Tubes rather than constantly putting other (inappropriate) things in his mouth. This would be great, as I really really hate having to constantly tell him no, or having him and Wiggle share chewing toys.
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