We have ways of making you talk…
Today was CJ’s initial visit with her assigned speech pathologist.
She’ll visit us in our home each week until CJ turns three. She’s young and friendly and has lots of initials after her name, and I sensed no judgment whatsoever – not even when CJ climbed onto the coffee table and jumped into my lap. More than once.
For her part, CJ performed behaved quite well. Her behavior was entirely consistent with her usual routine: jumping on the trampoline, slithering along the back of the sofa, hugging me tightly around the neck as she chanted “Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” – not because she wanted anything, but just for the joy of saying it (and my pleasure at hearing it). She let fly a few two-word phrases, including “Boo boo huhts?” when she found a bandage on the therapist’s arm. And when she located a few boo boos of her own, she grabbed my finger to pull me up from the sofa, and I told her, “No, you don’t need a Band-Aid right now.”
While I thought we probably looked comical enough to appear in the center ring, our antics actually helped give the therapist a clear picture of CJ’s strengths and weaknesses (and, to be honest, mine as well) so that she could frame her recommendations in terms that really made sense to me.
First, as before, I need to break it down – one to three words. But what will make it easier for me is that I’m supposed to describe what she is doing, or what I’m doing, or what has caught her attention. For example, when I open the door, all I have to say is “Open door!” Sure, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s easy enough to do.
Next, when she makes a non-verbal request, I’m supposed to describe what she wants before doing it or helping her with it. Again with the door example – when she jiggles the doorknob and obviously wants me to open it for her, but merely starts shrieking instead of verbalizing, I’m supposed to say “Open door please!” before opening it for her.
Finally, I’m supposed to set up situations in which she needs to communicate in order to get what she wants. Back to the door example – even if she can open it herself and starts to do so, I should put my hand on it so that she sees I’m impeding her progress and she can tell me to step off open the door. The idea is not to frustrate her; rather, it’s to help her see that her words have power – much more power than whining or wailing or grunting.
We’re only just beginning, but the experience thus far has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve received encouraging feedback on her strengths – face it, parents always like to hear an expert tell them their child is good at something – and constructive direction to help her improve in the areas where she needs it.
It’s never easy to admit that your child needs help, and it’s particularly difficult for someone like me who is reluctant to accept help. But I can say without reservation that I’m grateful for the help we’ve received and will continue to receive, and I would encourage anyone else who thinks they may need it to reach out too.
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On a related topic, check out my review of “Your Baby Can Read” Volume 2. We tried Volume 1 earlier this year, and I was surprised by CJ’s reaction. She may not be reading per se, but it certainly is helping her acquire new words.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I’m glad to hear it went well. My own Miss A is much more physical than verbal and I like the advice about breaking things down.
Hope it continues to go well!
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I’m an SLP…your post makes me miss my old job. Glad it went well, sounds like you got some great tips.
August 2nd, 2007 at 1:59 pm
As we have discussed, speech therapy for my boy was the best thing ever. Her initial recommendations sound just like what ours said as well. And after 18 months of ST, we have a child who runs it from the moment he wakes until the moment he sleeps!
Be ready to have your house overwhelmed with toys to stimulate oral motor development- bubbles, pinwheels, whistles. . .oh the whistles. . .but I am sure you will keep them lovingly contained in a well accessorized basket.
Wishing you continued successes. . .
August 2nd, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I was going to say it all sounds great until I heard about the whistles. Eep!
August 2nd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
This is so interesting to me. And the way you describe it, I love how positive you are instead of seeing this as some kind of shortcoming on your part as (ahem) a lot of us would. Go Mousie!
August 2nd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
When he was four our middle son received speech therapy for his stammer as well as for his inability to pronounce certain consonant blends. Our homework as parents was to SLOW THE HELL DOWN the manner in which we spoke. It seemed that part of his speech difficulty (aside from underdeveloped tongue muscles…no I’m not kidding) was that his brain was moving faste than his mouth was capable and living with people who spoke rapidly only made it worse. I cried all the way home after that diagnosis. It’s so hard, but–as you know–so worth it. I applaud you for getting help. It’s harder than many people think.
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:09 pm
When advice (professional or otherwise) works, it’s like being given a key to unlock a box that you’ve been banging against the floor. Voila! Look what you can do when you have the right tool. CJ is young, you’ll both do great.
August 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm
This all sounds so encouraging! In no time you’ll be begging her to stop talking.
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Great news! So glad to hear that things are going well
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
That sound so positive and helpful…and you have a great attitude.
Can I say…all the dissing I get talking to my 2 year old like that? HA! Open door. See? I KNEW I was doing it right. So THANK YOU!
August 2nd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
I agree that it totally is a positive experience. We just had EI come to our house for Baby’s evaluation, and they definitely gave me great tips for helping Baby “use his words.”
Your attitude is awesome.
August 2nd, 2007 at 9:13 pm
i’m glad things went well and i hope they continue to do so. we all have our weaknesses. they just make our strengths shine brighter.
August 2nd, 2007 at 11:19 pm
This sounds like a good start. I honestly think this is something that kids have to learn at all stages. I still am beside myself when my 7 year old comes rubbing up against me and says, “I’m thirrrrrsty.” Which is when I answer, “Really? Thanks for letting me know.”
Of course that is my internal sarcasm, but she isn’t truly saying WHAT it is she wants. And we work on that – her verbalizing WHAT SHE WANTS, b/c it has – even at 7 – turned into an all out tantrum.
August 3rd, 2007 at 5:36 am
I don’t need to tell you that you rock as a momma because you already know that. Positive attitude (like yours) makes a world of difference.
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 am
My middle one has been in ST for almost 2 years now. They have fun with it, and hopefully you’ll see improvements quickly.
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:55 am
It sounds like you’re off to a great start, and she’s in good hands, both with the therapist and with you. In no time you probably won’t be able to get her to stop talking about everything around her.
August 5th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
My nephew had a speech therapist. He only said a few words and communicated non-verbally until he was almost 3. They had him tested and he tested off the scale for intelligence. He just didn’t want to talk. Now he’s 5 and we can’t shut him up.
I suspect he did it just to f*ck with us.