Speech Therapy Session and Apraxia

Today, Dylan had his speech therapy session and we discussed goals for the next six months. Essentially, Dylan is doing WONDERFULLY in his sign language. In fact, he is up to par with a "typically" developmental child. We counted it up and Dylan knows over 50 signs which is pretty impressive and he is also starting to put two signs together which is very, very good.

But verbally, Dylan is way behind. Not just a little behind...a lot. Dylan does not communicate verbally at all. He makes noises, grunts, cries, makes play-chatter but with no particular pattern. He is very delayed. To put into perspective, he is on the same developmental level as Jonah verbally.

So during today's session, we discussed Apraxia. This was not a diagnosis but the therapist wanted me to look it up and get familiar with it. I wasn't to freak out but just absorb it and to get familiar with it. Knowing it would help me in my abilities to help Dylan with his verbal communication skills. I looked it up...and I have to admit, I freaked out. Essentially, the short definition of Apraxia is that it is a severe form of a speech disorder.

Here is just an example of symptoms of Apraxia that I found:

People with either form of apraxia of speech may have a number of different speech characteristics, or symptoms. One of the most notable symptoms is difficulty putting sounds and syllables together in the correct order to form words. Longer or more complex words are usually harder to say than shorter or simpler words. People with apraxia of speech also tend to make inconsistent mistakes when speaking. For example, they may say a difficult word correctly but then have trouble repeating it, or they may be able to say a particular sound one day and have trouble with the same sound the next day. People with apraxia of speech often appear to be groping for the right sound or word, and may try saying a word several times before they say it correctly. Another common characteristic of apraxia of speech is the incorrect use of "prosody" -- that is, the varying rhythms, stresses, and inflections of speech that are used to help express meaning.

Children with developmental apraxia of speech generally can understand language much better than they are able to use language to express themselves. Some children with the disorder may also have other problems. These can include other speech problems, such as dysarthria; language problems such as poor vocabulary, incorrect grammar, and difficulty in clearly organizing spoken information; problems with reading, writing, spelling, or math; coordination or "motor-skill" problems; and chewing and swallowing difficulties.

This defines Dylan's verbal skills like an exact science! Dylan understands language as indicated by his ever-expanding use of sign language. But he has a very hard time coordinating his mouth, vocal cords, tongue, and palate when actually trying to make a verbal sound. A great example is how we have been trying SO hard to teach Dylan to say "moo". Dylan only makes two vowel sounds..."ooo" and "aah". Since Dylan can kind of say "ooo" somewhat consistently (although not always), I've been trying to make that a "moo". Simple enough except he doesn't get it. Actually, he does get it...he'll make his lips to an "O" but can't coordinate his body enough to put the vocal cords to use at the same time. He's trying. And that fact makes it so hard to watch....he really, really wants to do it but can't. As a parent, you just ...I can't even finish the sentence.

We have been trying (and will keep working on) other things too. Like blowing. This has taken out the use of the vocal cords and we are now just trying to coordinate two functions: the lips forming an "O" and the use of air. If and when he gets this, we can add the use of vocal cords back in. But you have no idea how I would love to see him blow bubbles with a straw in a glass of juice or even blow a bubble around in his bath. I carry a container of bubbles in my purse for spontaneous bubble playtime/therapy sessions. If only our hard work would show some measure of improvement.

I know you aren't supposed to compare your kids to others. But I have to admit, I've been watching two kids that attend Dylan's school who are within a month of Dylan's age that also have Downs. Both kids are talking. They say kitty, doggie, mama, dada, and our ever popular "moo"...and I'm so jealous. It's hard to watch Dylan struggle just to even say one of those words.

So enough with the ranting and carrying on. We'll pull ourselves up and keep going. But darn it....I'd love to hear "moo".