Early Intervention

[mom2iain]

I've been away from cafemom for a while now...both because I got tired of some of the moms on here (kind of tired of moms putting other moms down just to make themselves feel better!) and because I've been busy. Iain sure keeps me on my toes! He is still the sweetest kid ever and has grown into such a wonderful little man in such a short time. He is sooooo outgoing and just LOVES people. He is PERFECT!

However...when he turned 2 and still wasn't speaking any more English than he was at 1 (I could probably count the number of words/phrases he says on one...maybe two...hands and...he was actually saying more words at 1 than he is now)...I decided on my own to contact Help Me Grow (the local Early Intervention). Really...he only says "mama", "dad", "please", "what's this" and maybe a few other things on a regular basis. He babbles ALLLLL the time...he sounds like he's talking (the inflection is there...he thinks he's talking and gets upset when we don't understand him...if sound is coming out...we should understand!)...but he refuses to speak English. We met with our service coordinator last Monday and Iain automatically qualifies for the services (doesn't have to go through the evaluation!) because he had breathing problems at birth (didn't breath at all for almost 3 minutes when he was born and had apnea)...that on top of me having HELLP for the last 3 months of my pregnancy...means he automatically qualifies. They look to the pregnancy, mostly. Good...no grueling evaluation to tell me what I already know...he's behind verbally. Mentally he is where he should be and BEYOND...it's just his "output" (as they say) that needs work. He understands way more than a 2 year old should (according to the coordinator)...haha. And his motor/fine motor/social skills have always been excellent :-)

We have an assessment scheduled for Dec. 7th...which is basically just to see where he's at ("at risk", "emerging", or "competent") and then we will start the program. We will meet 2 times a month and get homework and suggestions. Iain is a very stubborn kid...that's nothing new. He doesn't do it in a mean or rude way, which is why everyone is surprised when they realize he's stubborn. He's the sweetest kid in the world but...he will do what he wants to do when he wants to do it...and that's that. He doesn't do it in a bratty way...he just...is stubborn. Hard to explain. He started walking at 11 months...has always been the most social little guy...BUT...I can't...for the life of me...get him to SPEAK ENGLISH! (not like he walked because of me...or is such a happy and social guy just 'cause of me...he has to do most of the "work" and he just won't) And so...we're getting some help. I'm not concerned that he will never speak...I have all the confidence in him BUT...it's going to be a long and hard battle.

We have started some things at home based on suggestions from the service coordinator. I know that I am "enabler" (could have told her that one...haha). I get him what he wants when he wants it (and sometimes before)...and I require nothing from him...maybe a "please" once in a while. He always has everything he needs...and therefore...has no reason to ask for anything. So...I'm now requiring at least a "please" (I know he can say that word so...it's a good one to start with) when he wants something (be it milk...juice...food...etc.). I felt HORRIBLE at first...like I was neglecting him...because with asking him to say something...a fit is inevitable...and boy can he throw a fit (that's something I had to get over...I'm not neglecting him...I'm right there with him...but he does need to speak...and so...I'm attempting to help him). BUT...when he calms down and realizes I'm not asking him to jump through hoops or anything (I think he'd rather do that)...he says "please" in his cute little voice and gets what he wants. I never withhold food or drink from him (just so you know)...he always says what he's supposed to say...and sometimes...I'm lucky and get a "juice please." It has been really rough and it's only been a week (not even)...many tears/fits BUT...in the end he loves all the cheering he gets for using his words so...it's not too bad. And he's already got a few more words on his list...like "bear"...and he uses them all correctly :-)

[Melissa823]

Nov. 20, 2009 at 2:30 PM

Wow, it sounds like things are improving already. You're a great mommy it sounds like. Don't stress too much, you're doing the right thing, and look he's already making progress!!

Good for you! I bet in a few months he'll be chatting away!