Apraxia of Speech . Week 24

Ryder had PCMC and Private Therapy this week.

It was Ryder's last PCMC session.  We attended, not knowing this in advance.  But, after seeing Ryder not participating, and the Therapist not engaging him, at the end of the session I spoke with her, and explained my concerns.  Ryder did okay to start with at PCMC, but has struggled more than he has progressed.  The last several sessions have been more frustrating than productive, and more of a review of words Ryder was taught by the Early Intervention Therapist, his Private Therapist, or Patrick and me.  PCMC served it's purpose in getting Ryder the official diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech, and was instrumental in allowing him to qualify for the School District's SpecialEd Preschool.  But, it has reached the point where we need to take a break.  I've been reading the book, "Speaking of Apraxia", and in it is a chapter that talks about how you know the Therapist is working for your child.  It's hard.  There is no black and white line.  It is gray.  Blurry gray.  Ultimately, after being reminded that WE ARE PAYING HER for the service, and that we should be able to expect a certain level of progress, the decision was made.  We aren't closing the door to PCMC, in fact, we are in their records as taking a "4 month minimum break".  We'll give Ryder some breathing room this summer (continuing with Early Intervention and Private Therapy), allow him to start Preschool, and then re-evaluate his therapy needs in October.

Conversely, Ryder's Private Speech Therapy went well.  After Ryder initially not wanting to participate, I left the immediate area – I was just out of eyesight, but could still hear him.  Ryder did much better without me present…which is something Patrick and I suspected when school was ending.  The SLP and I made a plan for next week to not have me be actively engaged (but be nearby), and see how Ryder does with the change.  He is an independent little guy, and seems to be at his best engagement when it is one-on-one.

When I got the book I mentioned above, "Speaking of Apraxia", a chapter introduction that I read has stuck with me...

"Imagine if you will, a little boy who has a dream, a dream to communicate.  He wishes he could answer your question so that you understand his response.  He wishes he could ask for clarification when he doesn't know exactly what you want him to say or do.  He wishes to connect with his friends in their verbal play, or to raise his hand in eagerness to answer his teacher.  Because in his mind, he knows what he wants to say, yet he just can't get it out.  Imagine this little boy is yours."

This statement reflects our son.  It is Ryder.  And, this week has made it clear for Patrick and me – we will do whatever it takes to help Ryder.  We need to make informed decisions on Ryder’s behalf, but we also need to be cognisant of our “gut feeling” in the situation.  Ryder wants to communicate verbally, and until he can – we are his voice.

One-step-at-a-time.

CASNA