Tell me what you think.
Lucy had her Speech therapy evaluation today. And Brandy (the ST) said she may not be quite at the level to qualify. She is about 4 months behind on her words, but only 2 months behind on communication. She put it in percentage for us. normal is between 35% and 65% She guessed that Lucy was like 16%-20%. But in order to qualify for their program she would have to be below 7%. But She also said that because of her condition they might make an exception. So they are all going to meet (OT, ST, and PT) on Thursday to make the decision. (we meet with her Physical Therapist on Thursday for an evaluation). So We are praying that she makes it. But Brandy gave us some tips on how to start with her. Use simpler words. And start teaching her some signs. Now, my worry with signing was always, well if she knows how to sign, why would she ever learn how to talk? But Brandy explained that she has been doing this for 11 years and she teaches Signing to all of her patients. And she has never had one prefer signing over speaking verbally. She said make sure that every time you use a sign also say the word at the same time, as well as give her the object or do the thing that you are signing. That way they will learn everything at the same time. Makes perfect sense to me. She used the example: Toddlers are always using their hands for playing, holding things, carrying things, etc. So if they want something eventually they are going to use their words vocally instead of signing, because they would rather hold onto that object for fear of losing it? Make sense?
Anyway. So since my very best friend, Michelle Chapin is fluent, she is more than willing to Skype with Tyler and I and teach us a few simple signs to teach Lucy. After being so against this, I am very excited now! I have been looking up videos on youtube of babies younger than Lucy signing and it is AMAZING! She can do this. Piece of cake!! And I'll do anything to stop the "EH!" and the fits... ugh. She is getting ridiculous! She knows quite a few words, but this will hopefully make it easier for both of us to communicate. Ah..
And even if she doesn't qualify, Brandy said she would come out at least two more times to teach us and give us some pointers on how to communicate better with her. Tonight at dinner we were working on "more" and "milk" she did pretty well!
Anyway, if anyone has tips, or thoughts on this, I would love to hear your comments. Thanks!!
I don't know if you can see it... This was taken from the Fred Meyer parking lot, but there is snow on the mountains just above us. Not very far from us. Look out! Winter is coming, and FAST!
We went out to My Grandpa and Grandma Matson's Grave, and put some flowers on it.
