Last week we took Gavin to see a nuerologist. He told us his job was basically to make sure there was no underlying medical issue that would be causing Gavin's speech issues. So he asked us questions...and more questions...and did a somewhat "crude" developmental and physical exam. His conclusions:
Good News: Gavin is within normal range, if not above average in all things/areas except speech. Good news, but not NEW news to us.
Bad News (relatively speaking): The Dr. determined that "he probably has a mild case of apraxia." This isn't necessarily bad news...it is in terms of we'd like him to not have any sort of "disorder" to delay speech. However, his speech is clearly delayed. So, this diagnosis may help in getting us some better insurance coverage for Gavin's speech in the future.
Regardless of the diagnosis, he still needs speech. We've upped his speech to two times a week right now with Lisa the ST and added a third with a friend and speech therapist who will see him for the summer. He is also still getting OT once a week. He is responding great.
As a quick speech update: He is making huge progress. Willing to TRY. Getting more sounds, more two word phrases and even a couple three/four word phrases. Do we have a LONG way to go? Yes. Do we have a lot of discouragement on our part? Yes. Frustration on his? Yes. However, we see improvement and we know he'll get there.
The neurologist left us with this: Speech is hard for him and it doesn't come naturally. Just like there are some people naturally gifted at sports--that doesn't mean the next person can't be just as good as the first by working two times as hard to get there. So, he said, he may never be a public speaker...then again, he may work hard enough that he becomes an auctioneer.
As for now, we're just going to keep working on "boo, bee, bye, bow, pay, pea, pie, moo, me, my, mow....etc."
3 comments:
It must seem like a journey you're "trudging" instead of walking. Know that we're praying for Gavin and you guys along the way! Happy to hear there have been small developments.
He is doing awesome, Jen. I know, they are small steps, but they are forward.. Continuing to pray for you all. Someday, this will all just be a memory in his book, right?
Gavin is a happy, well adjusted boy and he is doing so much better with his speech. I am happy hear he is doing better and will continue to keep him (and you) in our prayers!
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