Kindergarten.com is offering all of their ABA apps free for the month of April in honor of Autism Awareness Month. I was actually going to purchase some this week after hearing about them over at Unringing the Bell. Really, I bought an iTunes card at the grocery store this weekend so I could get my fuel discount. Glad I didn't have time to use it!
FYI: The ones listed under the heading Flashcards were always free and the rest of them were 99 cents.
I would recommend the receptive language ones and I downloaded the Action Flashcards for Goldie because verbs are something she has been working on in speech.
Showing posts with label speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speech. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Comparing Therapy Service Providers - Part 3 or Let's Talk Money
This is the last in a series of posts comparing the public and private therapy providers we've used since Goldie turned 3. Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here. This is only the experience of one family living in a fairly rural county in Pennsylvania.
One thing I didn't mention in the previous posts was how these services were paid for. I believe the Early Intervention program receives county, state and federal funds. I'm not completely sure, but there is no cost to use their services. The private speech and OT are billed to our private health insurance through my husband's employer. (We exhausted that coverage a couple months ago.) Then, whatever isn't covered is paid by Medicaid. Goldie qualifies for this because she has a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Another program we utilize is HIPP, Health Insurance Premium Payment. HIPP pays the insurance premium for the employee and the child with the disability if it is more cost effective than adding the child onto one of the state's insurance plans. I've learned this program can work a couple different ways.
1. My husband's current employer deducts the employee portion of a family policy directly from his paycheck. Then, they asked that HIPP send the reimbursement directly to us.
-or-
2. His previous employer (where he worked when Goldie was born) continued deducting the employee portion of the health insurance premium, had the reimbursement from HIPP sent directly to themselves, and kept it all.
When I talked to the very nice HR lady about these two scenarios her reply was that "We will pay the same for your family's insurance that we would pay for any of our employees. You are the one's raising Goldie, that money should go to you." You could have knocked me over with a feather. My husband drive too far to work hours that are too long, so it warmed my heart to know that he works for a company that is honest and caring.
Back to my comparison, I've thought about what we would do if Goldie's private therapy wasn't covered. I know that in some states these services wouldn't be covered. Would we give it up? No way! We would find a way to pay for it because it is making a difference in our lives. Even if it meant organizing fundraisers and picking up a part time job.
One thing I didn't mention in the previous posts was how these services were paid for. I believe the Early Intervention program receives county, state and federal funds. I'm not completely sure, but there is no cost to use their services. The private speech and OT are billed to our private health insurance through my husband's employer. (We exhausted that coverage a couple months ago.) Then, whatever isn't covered is paid by Medicaid. Goldie qualifies for this because she has a diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Another program we utilize is HIPP, Health Insurance Premium Payment. HIPP pays the insurance premium for the employee and the child with the disability if it is more cost effective than adding the child onto one of the state's insurance plans. I've learned this program can work a couple different ways.
1. My husband's current employer deducts the employee portion of a family policy directly from his paycheck. Then, they asked that HIPP send the reimbursement directly to us.
-or-
2. His previous employer (where he worked when Goldie was born) continued deducting the employee portion of the health insurance premium, had the reimbursement from HIPP sent directly to themselves, and kept it all.
When I talked to the very nice HR lady about these two scenarios her reply was that "We will pay the same for your family's insurance that we would pay for any of our employees. You are the one's raising Goldie, that money should go to you." You could have knocked me over with a feather. My husband drive too far to work hours that are too long, so it warmed my heart to know that he works for a company that is honest and caring.
Back to my comparison, I've thought about what we would do if Goldie's private therapy wasn't covered. I know that in some states these services wouldn't be covered. Would we give it up? No way! We would find a way to pay for it because it is making a difference in our lives. Even if it meant organizing fundraisers and picking up a part time job.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Good Deals on Talk Tools and more!
I tend to fluctuate between wanting to give Goldie every opportunity to succeed and feeling like I'm just throwing money at her disability. My other kids had a shape sorter, Goldie had 3. Ditto for stacking toys, puzzles, and pegboards. Don't even ask how many board books I've bought for our low vision toddler.
So, I'm always on the lookout for a way to save some money. This month has brought a couple good deals our way.
Let's start with two that I found over at Got Down Syndrome's blog.
First, the book Down Syndrome: What You Can Do is available for 10% off. Offer is good until Sept 30, 2010.
The next one from Talk Tools is also good through Sept. 30th.
The third deal available right now is from Woodbine House. In recognition of National Down Syndrome Awareness month they are taking 20% off of books and DVDs on Down syndrome. Just go to their website and click on "specials" to see the items included in the sale. This offer is good during September and October. I'm thinking I'd let to get "Views from Our Shoes" for my girls.
Last, but not least, is my newest place to shop on the web. Since Hank hates shopping and Goldie isn't much better I'm usually rushing through the store trying to get out as fast as possible. I always forget something. This is why I love shopping online. Some of Goldie's supplements I can only get online. I have had to order from 3 different places to get everything we need. Now, I found a store that sells both the ginkgo and fish oil Goldie takes. Take 20% off your first order at Soap.com with promo code WIFF2267 . Don't forget the free shipping on orders over $25! Soap.com is the sister site to Diapers.com, so I can even add replacement straws for Goldie's cups or diapers for Hank to our order.
So, I'm always on the lookout for a way to save some money. This month has brought a couple good deals our way.
Let's start with two that I found over at Got Down Syndrome's blog.
First, the book Down Syndrome: What You Can Do is available for 10% off. Offer is good until Sept 30, 2010.
The next one from Talk Tools is also good through Sept. 30th.
"Our MOST popular promotion is back!Visit TalkTools website at www.talktools.net. I ordered some things and have been sharing them with Goldie's therapists.
RECEIVE 40% OFF ALL EDUCATIONAL DVD's!!! -- Prices as low as $39.00!
**Our Self-study DVDs are among the most accessible and convenient means to acquire continuing education units (CEUs), and upon completion ITI will make sure the required documents are filed on time and correctly with either ASHA or AOTA. Additionally, the presence of full-length one to two day workshops in your multimedia library will allow you and your colleagues to review the material whenever, and at whatever pace, you like**
The third deal available right now is from Woodbine House. In recognition of National Down Syndrome Awareness month they are taking 20% off of books and DVDs on Down syndrome. Just go to their website and click on "specials" to see the items included in the sale. This offer is good during September and October. I'm thinking I'd let to get "Views from Our Shoes" for my girls.
Last, but not least, is my newest place to shop on the web. Since Hank hates shopping and Goldie isn't much better I'm usually rushing through the store trying to get out as fast as possible. I always forget something. This is why I love shopping online. Some of Goldie's supplements I can only get online. I have had to order from 3 different places to get everything we need. Now, I found a store that sells both the ginkgo and fish oil Goldie takes. Take 20% off your first order at Soap.com with promo code WIFF2267 . Don't forget the free shipping on orders over $25! Soap.com is the sister site to Diapers.com, so I can even add replacement straws for Goldie's cups or diapers for Hank to our order.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Comparing Therapy Service Providers - Part 2
When Goldie was a year old, a pediatric therapy provider moved in 2 miles from our house. Considering we live in a pretty rural area, this is quite a blessing. Otherwise, we would be driving 25 minutes to the nearest outpatient therapy office.
At Goldie's 3 year check up I asked her pediatrician for a prescription for a speech and occupational therapy evaluation. I made an appointment for the evaluations and brought the prescription with us. After the evaluation, it was recommended that Goldie receive two sessions of speech and OT weekly, for thirty minutes each.
Speech
Initially, things got off to a slow start. with therapist B. She was there for two weeks, then left. Goldie worked with her supervisor until therapist A was hired to replace her. The supervisor was wonderful, had heard of Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson, and noted in Goldie's chart that we would like to use her techniques.
The first quality I noticed in "Ms. A" was that she has high expectations for the children she works with. I love this about her, but I've seen other parents scoff at her ideas. Some of the things she works on are: making choices, labeling, indentifying, using two words together, using sentences, and speech sounds. She also, does oral motor work, but I'll get to that later.
Goldie has begun to use a lot of words and phrases. When we talk to her she always repeats back part of what we said. I've heard a lot of new words from her doing this. Goldie can tell us "I want ___". She also understands "if/then" statements. This comes in handy for transitions and when she wants to do something and I need her to do something else. For example "If you wash your hands, then you can have a snack."
Occupational Therapy
Goldie took to her new OT, "Ms. M", right away. Ms. M also has high expectations for Goldie. I have to admit that even I was skeptical at first because of Goldie's low vision. She does much more than simply work on fine motor skills. Goldie does many activities while sitting on a swing or therapy ball to improve her core strength, balance, and eye hand coordination. They also work on dressing by having Goldie remove her shoes and put them on before she leaves.
I have seen an improvement in Goldie's arm, hand and core strength. She is also beginning to dress herself independently and can completely undress herself.
The Best Part!
Both therapists work together on oral motor activities to help Goldie with drinking, tongue and lip movements, etc. This was nearly impossible when Goldie was in the birth to three program and was not an option within her IEP. I wrote more about it here.
More Details
The office has mostly bare walls with an occasional B&W photo of children. It is very neat and clean. Goldie has little to no distractions (most days).
Goldie enjoys being there and trusts her therapists. So do I.
There has not been as much consistency as I would like. Her OT is on maternity leave and they have 2 different OT's covering for her. Then, when I was making our fall appointments the scheduling person switched Goldie to a different speech therapist. I don't know what made me ask if she made the appointments with Ms. A, but I was glad I did. I let her know it was absolutely not acceptable to shuffle my child around and the situation was rectified. It bothered me to find out that it was intentional. They were moving all of her Thursday kids to a new therapist's case load. Now I know to be on my toes when making future appointments.
At Goldie's 3 year check up I asked her pediatrician for a prescription for a speech and occupational therapy evaluation. I made an appointment for the evaluations and brought the prescription with us. After the evaluation, it was recommended that Goldie receive two sessions of speech and OT weekly, for thirty minutes each.
Speech
Initially, things got off to a slow start. with therapist B. She was there for two weeks, then left. Goldie worked with her supervisor until therapist A was hired to replace her. The supervisor was wonderful, had heard of Sara Rosenfeld-Johnson, and noted in Goldie's chart that we would like to use her techniques.
The first quality I noticed in "Ms. A" was that she has high expectations for the children she works with. I love this about her, but I've seen other parents scoff at her ideas. Some of the things she works on are: making choices, labeling, indentifying, using two words together, using sentences, and speech sounds. She also, does oral motor work, but I'll get to that later.
Goldie has begun to use a lot of words and phrases. When we talk to her she always repeats back part of what we said. I've heard a lot of new words from her doing this. Goldie can tell us "I want ___". She also understands "if/then" statements. This comes in handy for transitions and when she wants to do something and I need her to do something else. For example "If you wash your hands, then you can have a snack."
Occupational Therapy
Goldie took to her new OT, "Ms. M", right away. Ms. M also has high expectations for Goldie. I have to admit that even I was skeptical at first because of Goldie's low vision. She does much more than simply work on fine motor skills. Goldie does many activities while sitting on a swing or therapy ball to improve her core strength, balance, and eye hand coordination. They also work on dressing by having Goldie remove her shoes and put them on before she leaves.
I have seen an improvement in Goldie's arm, hand and core strength. She is also beginning to dress herself independently and can completely undress herself.
The Best Part!
Both therapists work together on oral motor activities to help Goldie with drinking, tongue and lip movements, etc. This was nearly impossible when Goldie was in the birth to three program and was not an option within her IEP. I wrote more about it here.
More Details
The office has mostly bare walls with an occasional B&W photo of children. It is very neat and clean. Goldie has little to no distractions (most days).
Goldie enjoys being there and trusts her therapists. So do I.
There has not been as much consistency as I would like. Her OT is on maternity leave and they have 2 different OT's covering for her. Then, when I was making our fall appointments the scheduling person switched Goldie to a different speech therapist. I don't know what made me ask if she made the appointments with Ms. A, but I was glad I did. I let her know it was absolutely not acceptable to shuffle my child around and the situation was rectified. It bothered me to find out that it was intentional. They were moving all of her Thursday kids to a new therapist's case load. Now I know to be on my toes when making future appointments.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Comparing Therapy Service Providers - Part 1
Occasionally, as I'm reading other blogs, I run across the question of weather private therapy is "worth it". So, I thought I would write a post (or 2 or3) on our experience with both public and private agencies. I'll have to start way back in March, when Goldie turned 3.
State of PA Early Intervention
During the IEP process, one of our options for Golden was to place her in a classroom where she would receive speech, OT, PT, and a vision teacher on a consultant basis. This means that she would never be entitled to individual or pull-out sessions. I was told that the therapists sometimes worked one on one, but it was discouraged. In this model of service delivery the therapists simply consult with the teacher about how to meet the child's needs in the classroom. I inquired specifically about how they would incorporate oral motor therapy this way and was told it would be done as a group activity. Choosing this option would give a child the maximum amount of classroom time, which can be great if they have minimal delays or a really great teaching staff.
The second option, and the one we chose, was to refuse a classroom placement for Goldie and receive services on an itinerant basis. We live in Pennsylvania where the law mandates that each area of delay must be addressed in the IEP. This meant that while we only wanted speech and occupational therapy for Golden, we had to have speech, OT, PT , and a vision teacher. They did not force us to have a special education teacher because we are homeschooling and I will be doing the teaching. Her IEP was written to have me bring her to the classroom for speech and OT weekly. PT would be provided every other month at our home, except in the summer. The vision teacher would consult with me on a monthly basis.
How it played out:
I never heard from the PT in the six months following the IEP meeting.
The vision teacher was nice to consult with on goals for Goldie, but was unable to provide us with any new activities or strategies. She made some nice charts for me to keep track of Goldie's progress.
The speech therapist and the OT had very tight schedules. They could only see us at lunch time when the classrooms were empty (mostly). This was Goldie's normal nap time. Most of the time she was asleep when we got there and I had to wake her up.
Initially, Goldie didn't like the speech therapist so I sat in the classroom with them. This showed Goldie that the ST was someone I knew and trusted. We continued this for about a month. The last session was just Goldie and the ST. She was very impressed that Goldie could follow the simplest verbal instructions. For oral motor therapy she used a work sheet with a face on it and circles at the bottom. Every time Goldie stuck her tongue out (not up or anywhere specific, just out) she could put a paint dot on a circle.
Moving along to OT, he scored big points with Goldie simply because he was a man. (What can I say, her Daddy works long hours?) He worked with Goldie on a variety of fine motor tasks such as pre-scissor skills and using two hands when working on a task.
Other noteworthy items: Goldie's biggest struggle, drinking, was not addressed by anyone because we refused to put her in a classroom. Drinking could only be addressed if she was there for snack time.
The classrooms where Goldie received services devoted a large portion of space to adult work areas. Each of them had at least 4 adult work areas and the clutter that comes with them. The walls were covered with "stuff" for both the children and adults. Every vision evaluation Golden has had recommends that she needs things to be kept simple and uncluttered.
There was one speech session were Golden was unable to attend to the ST because of an adult the room who was being loud and distracting.
I don't think this is shaping up to be as "objective" as I wanted it to. But, by the time Goldie's therapies started I had been jerked around a bit by the supposed Service Coordinator and was wondering if I would ever meet someone who could see Golden and not her disability.
I'll leave you with a picture of Goldie on our field trip to the Carnegie Science Center. It is only $1 per person for families of a child with a yellow ACCESS card (Medicaid).
State of PA Early Intervention
During the IEP process, one of our options for Golden was to place her in a classroom where she would receive speech, OT, PT, and a vision teacher on a consultant basis. This means that she would never be entitled to individual or pull-out sessions. I was told that the therapists sometimes worked one on one, but it was discouraged. In this model of service delivery the therapists simply consult with the teacher about how to meet the child's needs in the classroom. I inquired specifically about how they would incorporate oral motor therapy this way and was told it would be done as a group activity. Choosing this option would give a child the maximum amount of classroom time, which can be great if they have minimal delays or a really great teaching staff.
The second option, and the one we chose, was to refuse a classroom placement for Goldie and receive services on an itinerant basis. We live in Pennsylvania where the law mandates that each area of delay must be addressed in the IEP. This meant that while we only wanted speech and occupational therapy for Golden, we had to have speech, OT, PT , and a vision teacher. They did not force us to have a special education teacher because we are homeschooling and I will be doing the teaching. Her IEP was written to have me bring her to the classroom for speech and OT weekly. PT would be provided every other month at our home, except in the summer. The vision teacher would consult with me on a monthly basis.
How it played out:
I never heard from the PT in the six months following the IEP meeting.
The vision teacher was nice to consult with on goals for Goldie, but was unable to provide us with any new activities or strategies. She made some nice charts for me to keep track of Goldie's progress.
The speech therapist and the OT had very tight schedules. They could only see us at lunch time when the classrooms were empty (mostly). This was Goldie's normal nap time. Most of the time she was asleep when we got there and I had to wake her up.
Initially, Goldie didn't like the speech therapist so I sat in the classroom with them. This showed Goldie that the ST was someone I knew and trusted. We continued this for about a month. The last session was just Goldie and the ST. She was very impressed that Goldie could follow the simplest verbal instructions. For oral motor therapy she used a work sheet with a face on it and circles at the bottom. Every time Goldie stuck her tongue out (not up or anywhere specific, just out) she could put a paint dot on a circle.
Moving along to OT, he scored big points with Goldie simply because he was a man. (What can I say, her Daddy works long hours?) He worked with Goldie on a variety of fine motor tasks such as pre-scissor skills and using two hands when working on a task.
Other noteworthy items: Goldie's biggest struggle, drinking, was not addressed by anyone because we refused to put her in a classroom. Drinking could only be addressed if she was there for snack time.
The classrooms where Goldie received services devoted a large portion of space to adult work areas. Each of them had at least 4 adult work areas and the clutter that comes with them. The walls were covered with "stuff" for both the children and adults. Every vision evaluation Golden has had recommends that she needs things to be kept simple and uncluttered.
There was one speech session were Golden was unable to attend to the ST because of an adult the room who was being loud and distracting.
I don't think this is shaping up to be as "objective" as I wanted it to. But, by the time Goldie's therapies started I had been jerked around a bit by the supposed Service Coordinator and was wondering if I would ever meet someone who could see Golden and not her disability.
I'll leave you with a picture of Goldie on our field trip to the Carnegie Science Center. It is only $1 per person for families of a child with a yellow ACCESS card (Medicaid).
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Ka woop
Ka woop is how Goldie asked for more cantaloupe at dinner tonight. She even put a little pause in between syllables. It was so cute, we kept coaxing her to say it. Twice was all we got.
Her speech therapist has been working on vocabulary with her. To be honest, I'm not sure why. Well, not really, I do know Goldie has to understand words before she can begin to use them. But, I don't know if the ST realizes how many words Goldie knows. I had also hoped to see more oral motor activities being done. I asked for a copy of the treatment plan so I can get a better understanding of what strategies she's using and the goals they are working towards. For what its worth, I really like the ST. I've been very impressed that she has high and appropriate expectations of Goldie.
In the mean time, I decided to start keeping track of just what words Goldie can say. I started yesterday counting only spoken words, no matter how hard they were to understand. I was blown away that she used 87 different words!! I had no idea she was using that many. Today we weren't as diligent, but I noticed a bunch of words that she didn't say yesterday, so tomorrow we are going to keep track again. I also think its important that most of these were said without prompting. She either initiated the conversation or repeated them after I used them in a sentence. Goldie is not a "performer" so the best way to know where she is developmentally is to watch and interact with her during normal family routines.
Her speech therapist has been working on vocabulary with her. To be honest, I'm not sure why. Well, not really, I do know Goldie has to understand words before she can begin to use them. But, I don't know if the ST realizes how many words Goldie knows. I had also hoped to see more oral motor activities being done. I asked for a copy of the treatment plan so I can get a better understanding of what strategies she's using and the goals they are working towards. For what its worth, I really like the ST. I've been very impressed that she has high and appropriate expectations of Goldie.
In the mean time, I decided to start keeping track of just what words Goldie can say. I started yesterday counting only spoken words, no matter how hard they were to understand. I was blown away that she used 87 different words!! I had no idea she was using that many. Today we weren't as diligent, but I noticed a bunch of words that she didn't say yesterday, so tomorrow we are going to keep track again. I also think its important that most of these were said without prompting. She either initiated the conversation or repeated them after I used them in a sentence. Goldie is not a "performer" so the best way to know where she is developmentally is to watch and interact with her during normal family routines.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
When I Wasn't Looking
New babies are such a savory distraction from "life as usual". And while this mama was staring at new gray eyes and enjoying the aroma of milk breath her little girl learned some new tricks.
In the last two days I have found Goldie inhaling spices from opened jars and tonight we cleaned up a bottle of A1 sauce. It seems somebody has taught herself to unscrew lids.
While nursing Hank last week, I look over to see Goldie walking up the steps, unassisted. Her daddy swears she's been doing this for a while now.
The puzzle she insisted she wasn't ready for last week, it was completed with perfection today. Just for her OT.
When I ask "Who took Goldie's clothes off?" The answer is Goldie.
And when I say "Hey, thanks for putting Goldie's boots on." The response is "I didn't. She did."
But, I haven't missed everything. While I was watching my oldest spin around with Goldie hanging over her shoulder, I heard "I want down!"
Yesterday, while we were rolling playdough she said "Grace", her big sister's name, for the first time.
And when I look at this picture, Im reminded that "3" is just around the next bend.
In the last two days I have found Goldie inhaling spices from opened jars and tonight we cleaned up a bottle of A1 sauce. It seems somebody has taught herself to unscrew lids.
While nursing Hank last week, I look over to see Goldie walking up the steps, unassisted. Her daddy swears she's been doing this for a while now.
The puzzle she insisted she wasn't ready for last week, it was completed with perfection today. Just for her OT.
When I ask "Who took Goldie's clothes off?" The answer is Goldie.
And when I say "Hey, thanks for putting Goldie's boots on." The response is "I didn't. She did."
But, I haven't missed everything. While I was watching my oldest spin around with Goldie hanging over her shoulder, I heard "I want down!"
Yesterday, while we were rolling playdough she said "Grace", her big sister's name, for the first time.
And when I look at this picture, Im reminded that "3" is just around the next bend.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Giving credit where credit is due
Goldie had her quarterly eval this week. I have to say it was fabulous! She has made so much progress in the last 3 months. She now knows over 100 signs and her speech is increasing slowly and steadily. Her fine motor skills have taken off and she is completing puzzles on her own along with beginning to draw. I could go on and on!
So, I was bragging about Goldie to a family member and their reply was "Are you going to do something in March, so she doesn't backslide, since you aren't sending her to preschool?"
Well, that caught me completely off guard. I explained, again, that our immediate family, has helped Goldie get to where she is today and we will continue to do so. And when I say we have helped Goldie, what I mean is that we give her opportunities and encouragement. Like you would with any child.
Goldie is the reason for her own success. I'm so tired of this idea that she would just be happy to sit and stare at the wall if it wasn't for Early Intervention. I remember reading books on DS when she was born that gave the very distinct impression that children with DS were not motivated to meet milestones or learn new skills on their own. Then the IFSP meeting came and the echoed those same thoughts. 2 1/2 years later I can say: what a bunch of BS!!
Here is our star! If you're wondering, she is putting cupcake picks into a pegboard to make a flower garden. Cute, huh?
So, I was bragging about Goldie to a family member and their reply was "Are you going to do something in March, so she doesn't backslide, since you aren't sending her to preschool?"
Well, that caught me completely off guard. I explained, again, that our immediate family, has helped Goldie get to where she is today and we will continue to do so. And when I say we have helped Goldie, what I mean is that we give her opportunities and encouragement. Like you would with any child.
Goldie is the reason for her own success. I'm so tired of this idea that she would just be happy to sit and stare at the wall if it wasn't for Early Intervention. I remember reading books on DS when she was born that gave the very distinct impression that children with DS were not motivated to meet milestones or learn new skills on their own. Then the IFSP meeting came and the echoed those same thoughts. 2 1/2 years later I can say: what a bunch of BS!!
Here is our star! If you're wondering, she is putting cupcake picks into a pegboard to make a flower garden. Cute, huh?
Friday, March 13, 2009
What do you want for breakfast?
I put Goldie in her chair for breakfast and asked what she wanted. I wasn't sure what I had to give her. We were out of her waffles and bananas. So I look over and she is doing her sign for popcorn and she says "pop". I was so excited! Now here is the part where I feel like crap. We had to leave for Kindermusik and I did not have time to make popcorn. She accepted cereal instead. When it was gone she signed more and said "mo".
The Vision Therapist came today and I filled her in on the new dr. While I was telling her about Goldie signing at breakfast she signed eat and said "eeeah".
This is big because when she started walking she stopped signing and talking. Its nice to see her words coming back. I think her low vision has also affected her ability to learn sign. She can't see movement well, so I don't know what our signs look like to her. We're going to start using picture cards as another communication tool.
Lisa left a comment asking about the treatment for Goldie's nystagmus. It will most likely be surgery. There is a procedure to move the null point and a tenotomy to lessen the jerking. After surgery, she will need more vision therapy to learn to use her new vision.
The Vision Therapist came today and I filled her in on the new dr. While I was telling her about Goldie signing at breakfast she signed eat and said "eeeah".
This is big because when she started walking she stopped signing and talking. Its nice to see her words coming back. I think her low vision has also affected her ability to learn sign. She can't see movement well, so I don't know what our signs look like to her. We're going to start using picture cards as another communication tool.
Lisa left a comment asking about the treatment for Goldie's nystagmus. It will most likely be surgery. There is a procedure to move the null point and a tenotomy to lessen the jerking. After surgery, she will need more vision therapy to learn to use her new vision.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
I always forget to write down the cute, witty things my kids say because I think I'll remember them. Then...well, you probably know how it goes. So, I thought I'd blog some things Goldie did this week before I forget.
As I've mentioned her fave food lately is popcorn. For a couple weeks the only time she would sign "more" was for popcorn. My mom sent a fresh supply of popcorn over and Goldie heard me announce this and got all excited. I told her when I was done cleaning up I would make some. A couple minutes goes by when she starts signing "more" and pointing at an empty cool whip container on the counter. I wasn't sure what she wanted so I picked her up and she starts lunging at the container. Hmmm.
That's when I remembered that 3 weeks ago my mom made some flavored popcorn and brought it over in that same container! So, her memory is better than mine?
Friday Goldie had her speech eval. The ST had some cards with drawings of people doing things on them. She asked if I thought Goldie could point to the correct picture if we named the action. I was curious so I said ask her and we'll see.
ST: Goldie, point to the picture of someone sleeping
Goldie: Kisses drawing of sleeping baby
ST: Can you point to the person eating? Where is the person eating?
Goldie: Licks the drawing of the girl eating ice cream
ST: Point to the person building with blocks
Goldie: Kicks the book
She cracks me up! We've been teaching her to kick towers of blocks, but I think she was just ready to be done with the eval.
As I've mentioned her fave food lately is popcorn. For a couple weeks the only time she would sign "more" was for popcorn. My mom sent a fresh supply of popcorn over and Goldie heard me announce this and got all excited. I told her when I was done cleaning up I would make some. A couple minutes goes by when she starts signing "more" and pointing at an empty cool whip container on the counter. I wasn't sure what she wanted so I picked her up and she starts lunging at the container. Hmmm.
That's when I remembered that 3 weeks ago my mom made some flavored popcorn and brought it over in that same container! So, her memory is better than mine?
Friday Goldie had her speech eval. The ST had some cards with drawings of people doing things on them. She asked if I thought Goldie could point to the correct picture if we named the action. I was curious so I said ask her and we'll see.
ST: Goldie, point to the picture of someone sleeping
Goldie: Kisses drawing of sleeping baby
ST: Can you point to the person eating? Where is the person eating?
Goldie: Licks the drawing of the girl eating ice cream
ST: Point to the person building with blocks
Goldie: Kicks the book
She cracks me up! We've been teaching her to kick towers of blocks, but I think she was just ready to be done with the eval.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Playgroup
Occasionally, I get surveys from our EI agency or the county. I always write in the comments section that I would like them to sponsor a playgroup. My mom ran a playgroup at our church when Mini Me and Swatcho were younger. She had an art center, water or rice table, housekeeping area, puzzles, circle time and snack time. It was fabulous. She has since moved on and I haven't found anything comparable.
Then in October Goldie's Service Coordinator gives me a call to say that she has been invited to join a playgroup once a month. She thought I would have already heard since the agency my mom is working for is organizing the playgroup. So, I called Mom to get the scoop. She tells me that the playgroup is for Early Head Start families and the county asked them to allow 5 families from EI to participate. Not everyone wanted to collaborate with EI, but Mom told them they would do it as long as Goldie was one of the 5 kids. So here's how it went:
Week One: Circle time, free play with toys, craft, more free play in gym area, eat lunch, read a story
Week Two: Circle time, free play with toyswhile listening to immature mother brag about how advanced her 5 month old is because he can pull to stand and crawl, play with balls in gym, eat lunch, read a story
Week Three: Kids have free play while parents learn how to plan a meal, eat lunch, read a story
But, I was really looking forward to the one on one time with my Goldie Girl.
The Good:
~ Goldie played with some toys we don't have a lot of, like cars. She even imitated the boys crawling and pushing the cars, which is something we've been working on in PT.
~ It was great to see how much progress Goldie made from month to month
~ Lunch was free and they were very accommodating of our food allergy
~ This month Goldie had a blast running around the gym (I skipped the story and let her run loose, setting a bad example for all the other parents and children)
~ One week, she ate off of a paper plate and even tried to use utensils
~ I got to play with my baby and just my baby :)
The Not So Good:
~ Immature mothers. They were just annoying. Even when I was a young, new mom, I never was a baby bragger. People can see my kids, I don't need to point out that they are walking or talking. Those things are kind of obvious and don't define my self worth. I decided I would go in with blinder on, ignore them and just focus on being with Goldie.
~ Hank has to watch Swatcho because she isn't allowed to come. It is also in the morning and sometimes Swatcho ends up not doing school that day because we also have PT that afternoon.
~ I'm the only mom who went consistently and I think the only one whose child has a diagnosis. I think the other EI kids just have delays because I couldn't tell who they were. I wonder if they would have chosen Goldie if her grandma hadn't made them?
~ Its really just a government sponsored parenting class disguised as a play group. Reading a book, planning a meal...Don't. waste. my. time. Goldie's book collection rivals that of our public library and I don't care what they say the breading on chicken nuggets is not a substitute for potatoes! I want her to have experiences I don't always provide at home, like the gym, water table, circle time, and crafts.
I called the Service Coordinator the next day to say we wouldn't be back. Then I signed up for Family Kindermusik through Swatcho's school.
What has Goldie been up to?
Her new thing is to pretend she's holding a camera and saying "jeeze" when I try to take a picture of her. She will also walk around with my camera in front of her while she repeats jeeze, jeeze, jeeze.
Hiding from therapists
and learning to blow her nose.
Then in October Goldie's Service Coordinator gives me a call to say that she has been invited to join a playgroup once a month. She thought I would have already heard since the agency my mom is working for is organizing the playgroup. So, I called Mom to get the scoop. She tells me that the playgroup is for Early Head Start families and the county asked them to allow 5 families from EI to participate. Not everyone wanted to collaborate with EI, but Mom told them they would do it as long as Goldie was one of the 5 kids. So here's how it went:
Week One: Circle time, free play with toys, craft, more free play in gym area, eat lunch, read a story
Week Two: Circle time, free play with toys
Week Three: Kids have free play while parents learn how to plan a meal, eat lunch, read a story
But, I was really looking forward to the one on one time with my Goldie Girl.
The Good:
~ Goldie played with some toys we don't have a lot of, like cars. She even imitated the boys crawling and pushing the cars, which is something we've been working on in PT.
~ It was great to see how much progress Goldie made from month to month
~ Lunch was free and they were very accommodating of our food allergy
~ This month Goldie had a blast running around the gym (I skipped the story and let her run loose, setting a bad example for all the other parents and children)
~ One week, she ate off of a paper plate and even tried to use utensils
~ I got to play with my baby and just my baby :)
The Not So Good:
~ Immature mothers. They were just annoying. Even when I was a young, new mom, I never was a baby bragger. People can see my kids, I don't need to point out that they are walking or talking. Those things are kind of obvious and don't define my self worth. I decided I would go in with blinder on, ignore them and just focus on being with Goldie.
~ Hank has to watch Swatcho because she isn't allowed to come. It is also in the morning and sometimes Swatcho ends up not doing school that day because we also have PT that afternoon.
~ I'm the only mom who went consistently and I think the only one whose child has a diagnosis. I think the other EI kids just have delays because I couldn't tell who they were. I wonder if they would have chosen Goldie if her grandma hadn't made them?
~ Its really just a government sponsored parenting class disguised as a play group. Reading a book, planning a meal...Don't. waste. my. time. Goldie's book collection rivals that of our public library and I don't care what they say the breading on chicken nuggets is not a substitute for potatoes! I want her to have experiences I don't always provide at home, like the gym, water table, circle time, and crafts.
I called the Service Coordinator the next day to say we wouldn't be back. Then I signed up for Family Kindermusik through Swatcho's school.
What has Goldie been up to?
Her new thing is to pretend she's holding a camera and saying "jeeze" when I try to take a picture of her. She will also walk around with my camera in front of her while she repeats jeeze, jeeze, jeeze.
Hiding from therapists
and learning to blow her nose.
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