On the first trip to speech school I could tell he was skeptical of this new "school". Too many white lab coats and it looked suspiciously like a hospital (and it is in the rehab center attached to the hospital!). And no need for a backpack? What kind of school is this?
But I'm happy to report that he is now thoroughly convinced that his speech school is the real deal. John Paul took to it like a fish to water. It sure helps that he's been dying to "go to school" for months now.
Oh my are we grateful! I think he loves all the individual attention. He loves a room full of toys. He loves his therapists.
For the first time I can tell he is really taking a personal interest in his own speech. His sentences are getting longer and more complex. He voluntarily chooses lengthier ways of expressing himself (instead of truncating thoughts). He is starting to be really funny! (Of course it's more likely that he's always been funny, but without the skills to express himself we didn't know how funny he was!)
I think some of these steps are natural ..... he has made so much progress in the 13 months since his surgery already, and I know these next steps were coming. I also think that intentional, directed work on his speech is helping tremendously.
He still has a LOOOOOOOONNNNGGG way to go. His articulation needs a lot of work. His grammar is not yet at age-level. There are days that I wish we were "there". There are times that his garbled speech frustrates me (and him). There are moments that I am sad he is limited in his ability to express himself.
But mostly I am full of hope at where this road is taking us, and, at least for now, prepared for the journey to be long.
6 comments:
So where's a photo of the star speech school pupil? Glad to hear JP is making good progress - not surprised he is funny, we know he is mischievous! Much love to all - we miss you around here.
We need a photo of all the kids in school. With backpacks!
Kelly
We go to "speech school" three times a week too, we are amazed at how simply they can do amazing things! So glad he is liking it! We'll be excited to hear about his continued progress! Marc and Jennifer Fleischer
So glad to hear 'speech school' is going well. It won't be long before John Paul's voice will be in the middle of all the other children's chatter. Isn't it great to see his sense of humor coming out! He seems very motivated to learn! Praying for patience and perseverance.
robin
You all are troopers for continuing. Catch up in any learning is a long up hill road.
Love you, BN
I believe he can do it! Susan
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