|
|
Post by Ericsmomma on Aug 22, 2009 12:14:06 GMT -5
my guy, Eric, is basically non-verbal. He will say "yes", and a few other sounds, but thats about it. My question is, how do you know when you're child isn't feeling well. Eric has been under the weather these past few days. He isn't sneezing/coughing or anything like that, but he won't eat, and is laying around alot. I asked him if his throat hurt, belly hurt, etc., but with no response. I took him to our pediatrician who looked in his ears and listened to his chest, but nothing found. It breaks my heart that he can't tell me how he's feeling. Does anyone have any suggestions? He sort of uses a communication device at school (simple 4-6 pictures), but isn't really thrilled with it. (he never initiates it either).
I would appreciate any info/ideas. Thanks, Dolly
|
|
|
|
Post by elizabethsmom on Aug 22, 2009 14:11:31 GMT -5
I'm sorry I don't have the experience to help you. But I can kinda sympathize with you. Elizabeth is only 2 1/2, but totally non-verbal. She has NO words. She does sign a little. But since adopting Lily, we have realized exactly how little she is able to communicate. Last night she was soooo frustrated that she had tears, and I never did figure out what she wanted. I'm just not sure what to do to fix that part.
As a nurse, we use pictures w/ verbal questions and touch. This sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Would he respond if you showed him a picture of a boy, touched his tummy and made a sad face and asked him if it hurt? Went down the systems until maybe you "hit" on the right system? I've had pt's that gave me no negative response, but a positive one when I got to the correct system. Maybe?
I'm not sure, but if you find something that works, post up... maybe it will help me with Elizabeth. Right or wrong, I use you guys to follow as I'm walking in the dark here.
I hope Eric is feeling better soon.
P.S. disclaimer...I'm not a doctor and cannot give out medical .....blah blah blah... however, tylenol will help almost any pain, and unless he has a pre existing condition (I don't know his medical condition) that it would adversely affect (and tylenol can be taken with almost any condition) it could help him feel better even if you don't know what's wrong. Just a thought.
Sheryl
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris too on Aug 22, 2009 17:12:03 GMT -5
Did you check in his mouth for new teeth? My kids don't seem to get their six-year-old molars until they're 8. I recently took my 13-yr-old to the doc for a severe ear ache and found out it was just an upper 12-yr-old molar coming in  If Eric were a girl, I'd say check for a bladder infection - down-in-the-dumps was my daughter's only symptom when she had one. But boys don't typically get them. I'll be praying for you and Eric, Dolly and (((hugs))) |
|
|
|
Post by wrblack on Aug 22, 2009 17:18:18 GMT -5
Yeah, I don't have a good answer either. If you get one, please share.
Charlie's not only nonverbal, he's just not that interested in trying to communicate.
Can usually tell when he's feeling out of sorts, just by body language and how he acts. But often complete mystery as to what's bothering him. Often he's back to his happy, go lucky self within 2 to 8 hours. If not, or if he's got fever or any other alarming symptom, then we're off to see a doctor. And, of course, most times that happens at 10 p.m. on a Sat. or Sunday. Have made the acquaintance of quite a range of ER docs over the years. But Robert first met our regular doctor, Dr. Harry, in the ER. Harry was up in peds of NICU on the Friday night we took Robert in and he came down to check him out.
Hope Eric perks up soon. If not, think I'd ask for a followup more thorough check up. -- Bob
|
|
|
|
Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Aug 22, 2009 22:41:43 GMT -5
{{{{HUGS DOLLY & ERIC}}}}}}}} When I can't figure out whats wrong w/ Brooker I think maybe she just has a headache. Even kids can have "one of those days". I give her some tylenol and we cuddle. I sure hope Eric feels better soon. Is it hot where you are? Change in climate? Brook gets a little "blah" when the weather changes. Is it almost back to school jitters? Just throwing some ideas out there  |
|
|
|
Post by CC on Aug 25, 2009 0:22:35 GMT -5
HUGS Dolly I can so relate to what you are saying and how you are feeling  We have as they said been there done that with Christopher. Chris is now 16 and getting much better about telling us by pointing to what is bothering him or even lately saying sick doc back, tummy, heart ... Before he would say we were at the Docs lots, cause I could tell he was just not right. For my guy as odd as this may sound he is at his best behavior when he is not feeling well For us thats the number one clue It SUCKS not to know what is going on with your child. Sorry girl I have no suggestions as for Chris it just took time and maturity, prior to that it was a true guessing game and the Docs knowledge. HUGS CC ~ |
|
|
|
Post by Jodi on Aug 25, 2009 1:30:44 GMT -5
Hi Dolly,
Ryan is very verbal, but it is hard to understand what he is saying. I think one of the main reasons we pushed for a more sophisticated device was out of concern for Ryan to be able to express all sorts of things, included when he is not feeling well.
I've posted about Springboard and Vantage devices. Ryan has used both. The company the manufactures the device is Prentke Romich and I think the web site is prentrom.com. I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have. Ryan does not use it all the time, but he knows the system in and out and can express himself fluently when needed. He also uses a magna doodle to write down what he is trying to say - sometimes he even spells it out loud (the spelling is hardly ever right but we can usually figure it out).
Sorry he is not feeling well. Hope you get some answers soon.
Jodi
|
|
