speech eval today

[meghans_mom]

hey all...

we finally went to see the speech specialist in connecticuit today. (she's an associate of Sarah Rosenfeld Johnson)...she did a 2 hour evaluation w/ Meghan and it was great - I'm so glad we made the trek.
First of all, Meghan was sooo good and sooo cooperative for the entire 2 hours (and this being after a 2 1/2 hour car ride), I am so proud of her! She did everything she needed to do for Jennifer to see what was what.
Meghan's regular SLT came along with us which was great because she was able to add her input as well as directly learn all the techniques Jennifer showed us.

Jennifer said that Meghan's mandibular (jaw) muscles are extremely weak and that her tongue does not work independently of her jaw movements. Most of her speech problems and compensating stem from these 2 things. Good news about this is that with some work we can help her strengthen the muscles and eventually (hopefully) help her disassociate her tongue movements from her jaw movements. She's writing us a detailed program plan using chewy tubes, different foods and bite sticks, etc.
I think she was pretty impressed w/ the work our SLT has done with Meghan thus far and it made me realize how totally horrible our first SLT was. I knew she was not right for Meghan and never insisted on changing and I'm sad that I've wasted precious time for Meghan that might have done her some good. But that's in the past now and hopefully we'll be able to follow this new program and really help meghan move along.

I have to say to anyone contemplating seeing these SLTs, it was worth all the time and the money for what we've found out. Now it's up to us to follow through but I'm just really happy right now with what we've found out. I know this doesn't mean that MM is going to have 'perfect' speech, but she has alot of the right tools there and now we have ways to help her use those tools better.
thanks for letting me share - and Laura Snowbird, thanks for all your advice and encouragement! You were, as always. terrifically helpful! laurie

[momofrussell]

Hey Laurie, that sounds really neat what you did. How old is Meghan? I wish I lived in Conn.!!! Russell is six and STILL doesn't speak a word... I asked his teacher if maybe something else is in the way (other issues, physical probs) but she doesn't think so...

Did you have to pay for it? If so, do you mind if I ask what you paid? If you don't want to share I totally understand, it is kind of persumptious of me

I wonder if they have other's like that specialist elsewhere. We live in St. Louis. hmmm....

Thanks for sharing.. I think it's great she gave you input and tools to work with for Meghan. I know speech, or lack there of, can be SO frusterating for us. And not knowing what path to go on can be frusterating too.

And yes, Laurasnowbird is a PEACH isn't she!!?? heehee

Thanks for sharing!!!

a.

[MaggiesMom]

Oh how I wish they were going to be near us. I checked into it, but they aren't going to be within driving distance for us. Well what I consider driving distance with a 3 year old.

Maggie has been "diagnosed" with the same problem by her SLP. But, we have not had much success using the chewy tubes etc. I'm dying to know what they tell you to do. Please post up when you get your plan and tell us all about it!

Hope she makes great progress in the near future. You're a great mom to keep hunting till you find the answers!

Take care.

Robin M - Maggie's mom

[meghans_mom]

A - The therapists are mostly in the tri-state area from the list but you can email Sarah Rosenfeld Johnson and see if they have one near you - the website is www.talktoolstm.com
i had emailed them to see if there was someone closer and they were quite helpful...you can also fly to Arizona to have an eval done (hahaha - something that wasn't quite convienient for us!) The eval was alot - $600 - and she doesn't take insurance - but I'm glad we were able to do it. We're going to submit it to our ins. co and *hope* they pay for some of it. I don't know if they all charge the same but I figure it's got to be all in the same ballpark.

The other thing to check on the website is when and where they're doing seminars because they travel all around (on the website - there is a link) and check it frequently b/c they add places all the time. You might be able to arrange for an eval when they're closer to you. I think that is how Laura had Ethan evaluated but am not 100% sure.

Robin - I will let you know what the plan says...she let us do a little hands-on with meghan so I have some idea how to do it properly but it's not easy to get. The exact way to place the tubes and sticks and how to hold the jaw was not easy for me.
Noone had ever told me about the jaw muscles being weak and it makes much sense but its not something I would have ever thought of...Meghan did all those things 'early' - making kissy faces, drinking from a straw - and I was always so pleased thinking she had fairly good tone in her face/mouth. However, she's doing all these things 'incorrectly' - compensating and all for the low tone...how the heck would i have known that?

anyways, i'll keep you updated! laurie

[meghans_mom]

oh, and i meant to add - from what i gathered - the therapist does not feel that meghan has apraxia. i re-read the criteria and have to agree, but i didn't a few months ago....meghan has come a long way in just a short while. i know that in time this may change (addition of the diagnosis) but who knows?

Robin M - I forget...what Maggie also diagnosed as apraxic?

laurie

[MaggiesMom]

Yes, we have been told that they believe she is apraxic. But, because of Maggie's hearing loss and oral motor issues, they hesitate to say 100% that it is. Suits me fine...I really don't want one more diagnosis! LOL

We've had SLP's show us how to present the chewy tube from the side so she is biting like she would a piece of jerky or twizzler. Maggie loves to hold it and chew on it herself. But, she doesn't like me to do it. She is still very oral defensive. Ugh!

Keep us posted. I'd love to hear how it goes.

Robin M - Maggie's mom