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Post by meghans_mom on May 16, 2004 21:43:28 GMT -5
Hi Laura -
I'm making an appointment for Meghan to see one of the speech therapists associated w/ Sarah Rosenfeld Johnson...
I haven't spoken w/ the therapist directly yet but have been going back and forth via email.
anyways...I think you took Ethan to see her (Sarah) or am I mistaken?
From what I understand the eval will take about 2 hours..
do you have any suggestions as to what I should take with me? Notes, and so forth?
I was thinking of bringing a video or audio tape of Meghan saying certain things (the alphabet, singing happy birthday, etc) so the therapist can hear her directly.
I'm going to write my questions down before hand, and make a list of what words MM says, my concerns, etc...
Of course, i don't expect Meghan to make a peep when we're in the office, so I want to be well prepared and get the most out of the visit, since it isn't right around the corner...
and I guess I should bring along copies of her audiology testing too?
any suggestions - if you've been there before -- would be greatly appreciated! thanks. laurie
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Post by laurasnowbird on May 16, 2004 23:30:53 GMT -5
Laurie,
Yes, we have seen Sara, more than once, and we've seen her associate Lori Overland. Who are you seeing, and when? Are you going strictly for speech related reasons, or for feeding as well? Let me know, and I'll know better how to answer.
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Post by meghans_mom on May 17, 2004 8:36:42 GMT -5
Hi Laura -
We're going mostly for speech...I have no concerns about MM's eating (except she's picky - but there's not much we can do about that, LOL!)
The woman we're seeing is Jennifer Price, she's based in Brooklyn, NY& also in CT at one of Lori's offices. We'll be going to Brooklyn, as far as I know right now as it's closer. I couldn't decide between Lori and Jennifer but I decided to try her (jennifer) first because it says on her resume that she works alot w/ kids w/ DS up until age 5.
I know Lori is really good too - and we can always see her another time...it would just be a rather long drive to get to her and I'm not sure what sort of mood MM would be in after that, know what I mean?
Anyways...we're going for speech help, as I said. Meghan doesn't always position her tongue properly (for D & T) and other letters. She can say a bunch of words but has trouble w/ 2 & 3 syllables...I'm really the one who can understand her the most,
I just want to see what a more seasoned professional says - her current SLT is really terrific, but young and I'd like an objective opinion and some ideas on what else I can work with.
thanks for the quick reply...looking forward to your input!
laurie
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Post by Debby on May 18, 2004 18:46:09 GMT -5
Hi,
I hope you don't mind me chiming in here, but Lori Overland was the gal who just had the seminar I was hoping to go to. Now I am so mad I didn't do it. It was in Seattle through the Hearing, Speech and Deafness Center. See Speech@hsdc.org.
The seminar was called Oral Motor and Feeding skills in the Down Syndrome Population.
I hope your appointment goes well. Still fighting for speech in Portland.
(Pebbles)
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Post by meghans_mom on May 18, 2004 20:50:08 GMT -5
Pebbles - yes, Lori Overland is an associate (or protege?) of one of the best SLTs in the business -in my opinion...atleast she impresses the heck outta me! (sara rosenfeld johnson). If you check the website www.talktoolstm.com - look under continuing ed or seminars? there might be more upcoming in the future near you...they list them atleast 6 months in advance. I missed a few that were upstate from me last year and so for there haven't been anymore and I've regretted not going. good luck again in your quest to get speech for your little one! laurie |
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Post by laurasnowbird on May 18, 2004 21:39:18 GMT -5
Laurie,
I'm really thrilled to hear that you are going to see one of Sara's associates. I have not heard of Jennifer, but if she is associated with Sara, she has to be good.
I happen to think Sara is THE best in the business, and when Ethan was having sensory issues I was disappointed that she felt I should take him to see Lori Overland. (I had never met Lori at that time) Lori was going to be in suburbs of Chicago, and Sara set us up to see her even though she was already booked. I will never question Sara again (silly me!!!) because Lori was positively amazing, and responsible for the amazing gains we have made with Ethan and food. Both my husband and I thought Lori was not only very skilled, but incredibly personable. Ethan really loved her.
Has Jennifer Price mentioned anything about bringing food? Just wondering, because the muscles used for eating are largely the same as those necessary for clear speech. I would clarify that before you go. If she wants you to bring food, bring a large variety of textures that Meghan is successfully eating, as well as some "challenge" foods, things that she hasn't completely mastered. I would consider any food that is eaten with a tongue thrust still somewhat of a challenge, because it isn't being moved about appropriately in the mouth. We also took cups and straws.
Take a list of your questions, and take a camcorder. The sessions usually last about two hours, and if my experiences are anything to go by, you will learn more than you can remember in that two hours. I have reviewed my videos a number of times because both Sara and Lori gave me more information than I could process!
Sara has asked to see pictures of Ethan over the period of time since his birth, at about six month intervals, because she likes to see how the kids' faces are developing. She can tell a lot about muscle development and tone simply by looking at pictures.
If you do take a video of Meghan I would keep it short, (unless she requests otherwise) because your session will fly by, and you will be using part of your session time to have her viewing the video. If you have recent audiology reports, I would bring those as well.
Our drive to Chicago was 5 hours, and because so much was riding on the outcome of our session, and we were paying so much, we were determined to have Ethan "fresh" for his eval. We drove down a day early and spent the night in Chicago, and the eval was scheduled for after his nap. If I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing. My brain is fried for now, but if I think of anything additional, I will be sure to add it. Let me know how it goes!
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Post by meghans_mom on May 19, 2004 8:39:09 GMT -5
Laura - Whew, girl! Am I glad I asked!! I didn't even think about recording the session to view for the future - I'll check and see that she says thats OK but what a great idea!!
And thanks for all of your other suggestions too....I know when I contacted Sara's office initially I was really impressed w/ how helpful they are - i mean they just seem so dedicated and now hearing how your experiences were, I'm even more impressed.
I just hope we have as positive an outcome w/ the interactions.
meghan has almost zero sensory issues w/ regard to eating/feeding but I'll check w./ Jennifer to see how she wants to play it.
Most of her trouble is positioning & low muscle tone.
anyways...Jennifer and I are still playing phone tag but hopefully we'll speak soon.
thanks again for ALL your input -- it's been really helpful!
laurie
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Post by meghans_mom on May 21, 2004 9:00:49 GMT -5
Laura - just wanted to let you know I finally spoke to Jennifer this AM and we set up Meghan's appt for the end of June.
All of the things you suggested were right on, and I really appreciate all your help!
She's sending me a packet with more info about what to bring/do/to expect, etc
And best of all, she invited Meghan's speech therapist to come along and learn all of the techniques in person!!
I'm excited about that - but I don't know if Anne will be able to go -- but i just thought it was cool that they offer that.
anyways,,i'll let you know what happens. thanks again!
laurie
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