Wednesday 30 May 2012

Apraxia: Thankful for a Reason to Hope


Two events have happened this week for my little boy (4) who has a severe speech delay called dispraxia (apraxia). Both these events have made me feel very thankful and have given me a reason for hope.

I have previously written about how I have made the decision to change speech therapists. Yesterday, Buster had his first session with the new therapist. I am thankful (in a bitter sweet kind of way) that the new speech therapist has given him a priority ranking. This means he will be seen each week for therapy. I am so hoping that this consistency can really start to see results for his speech.

It’s bitter sweet because her assessment confirms that he has a very severe speech difficulty and I am so worried for his future….The weekly sessions will also be costing $100 each time!….It’s looking like I’ll be trying to find some supermarket, shelf packing, night work!

The speech therapist said that she honestly believes that she can help Buster’s speech…..so I will do whatever it takes to give him the best chance that I can.

The other event that occurred in Buster life this week is that he had his interview to attend big  school (the same school his sisters attend). I am thankful that this interview went so well!  Buster managed to concentrate, and answer his questions…he then went on to charm the teacher with a rendition of his favorite preschool song… ‘The Wombat Wobble’ (complete with actions).

After the interview, the teacher asked Buster if he knew the way to the kindergarten classrooms. He shot up and valiantly declared….”follow me!!” It was just too cute!

I have had a very good experience with this school and I’m thankful (and a little relieved) that Buster will be going there next year.

I am also thankful that the kindergarten teacher is a lovely lady that I know from the old playgroup days ….we both attended the same playgroup when our eldest children were toddlers (Canberra is a small place!). This lady saw my eldest daughter struggle thorough her apraxia. I am thankful that having a prior relationship with the teacher will make communication easier and will help with my sons transition to big school.

So, small steps maybe….but I am feeling very thankful this week!

Linking up this post with Kate at Kate Says Stuff  for Thankful Thursday.


18 comments:

  1. oh! this is all good news - it warms my heart to read how you continually, no matter what fight and face whatever challenge is thrown your way with a smile, because your children and providing them the best start you possibly can is number one x

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    1. Thanks Lyndaal! sometimes it feels like I'm trying to row up that creek without a paddle :)

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  2. what wonderful things to be thankful for indeed :)

    Does the Govt offer any assistance with the therapy sessions?

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    1. Thanks Lisa! I've been looking in funding options today, but it doesn't look very promising....

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  3. They are fantastic small steps.
    So pleased for you - and Buster.
    If only someone else would kindly foot the cost!
    :-) xx

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    1. Thanks Shar.... if only Bill Gates read my blog ;)

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  4. Sounds like you scored your self a great teacher next yr for your Mr. It also sounds like he will like it. Its great when you know the person personally and they know you.

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    1. Thanks Salz...knowing the teacher has made me feel much more confident sending him to school next year because I think it's going to be a hard road ahead for him...

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  5. Wonderful news Nicole! I have everything crossed that buster comes along in leaps and bounds now!

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    1. Thanks so much :) I lay awake at night hoping for the same thing.

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  6. All the best with his speech and new teacher! I have my fingers crossed it all goes well!

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  7. I'm so glad, Nicole! What a gorgeous little guy you have there.

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  8. That's great news. You must be relieved that he will be getting the help that he needs, although it is all so very expensive, isn't it? And you are so lucky to have that prior relationship with his school. I know that made all the difference when I transitioned my son from an autism classroom to his local school. All the best for Buster's transition, sounds like it is all very promising!

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  9. I love the quote, "Nothing is impossible. Even the word says "I'm possible." Great news about the new therapist. The SLP can make such a huge difference! Last year when Jake was going to a private SLP & public school SLP at the same time, doing the same Kaufman cards, he would say his words perfectly with one SLP, but was completely quiet with the other one. Were you doing public school therapy before or do you guys not have that there? I love hearing Buster's stories. He sounds so animated & friendly with adults just like Jake is.

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  10. Hooray! That's such great news. I bet he was so cute singing his song :)

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  11. And they are fabulous things to be thankful for hun. I am betting that teacher just loved his rendition of the Wombat wobble. I cant tell you how happy I am that you are getting the help you need. We had the big interview for my baby this week too and it was oh so bittersweet. xx

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