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Post by Chris too on Mar 24, 2007 18:27:57 GMT -5
Stevie has always had feeding issues and has had the best OT in the world, Sabra Rennacher, to teach her since she was 5 months old. Now she chews consistantly on every texture, but sometimes noodly stuff confuses her. We keep working on it though because it can always get better. I'll ask Sabra if she can give any tips on finding someone in your area, Robin. I've always taken Sabra a bit for granted - not any more!! The good news, Robin, is that we all know that Chase can learn how to chew and that he must chew. Heck, if he can learn to do up his buttons, he can learn to chew  Will he copy you if you show him how to chew? I mean, it's ugly and yuck, but I model chewing for Stevie all the time. I sit right in front of her, stick a bite in my mouth and chew it with my mouth open so that she can see how it's done. I also play a game with Cherios where, again right in front of her face, I stick a Cherio on the tip of my tongue and move it slowly with my tongue into position to left or right and bite it with my molars. Then I switch sides. It isn't long before she wants to try it - she fails, but she's thinking about it and moving her tongue in ways she wouldn't otherwise; eventually she shuts her mouth, chews the thing and swallows. I'm thinking Chase is smart enough to get it if you tell him he absolutely has to chew his food to be healthy and strong (my guys love to hear that something will make them strong like Superman or something). Then when you find a way to get him to want to work on it, you can model it for him, and give him jaw-strengthening exercises to help him succeed. The taffy trick that Becky mentioned is a good one - you can also use twizzlers. Suckers are good if you make him take 20 licks (or however many is 3 more than he wants to do) before he can suck on it. I'm praying for God to send you some encouragement for the weeks ahead, Robin. And HUGS! |
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Post by ALLISA on Mar 25, 2007 8:53:13 GMT -5
Not to hijack thread....but what great suggestions MB....I bookmarked so that I could refer back to them for future refernce !
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Post by chasesmom on Mar 25, 2007 11:57:20 GMT -5
Excellent references indeed!!!! I too am book marking this. I would LOVE to go but even with all the suggestions I dont think I will be able to come up with the funds needed. That doesnt mean I am giving up without trying, I am going to start asking, but there is no monies to be had in mid michigan right now. I will start with my mental health assoc and K OF C, we dont have much else here and I am not connected with any churches presently, soon to be remedied I am hoping. I am the sec on our local ARC board and we have no funds for any conferences or trainings. I am going to ask the Lions for help with Chase's glasses he needs so badly so I cant ask them for money for a trip.
But you are right, it is free to make a room reservation and it cost nothing to cancel it. I need to go look at the agenda for the NDSC. Thank you for all the help, it is awesome.
Robin
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Post by MB on Mar 25, 2007 12:13:50 GMT -5
I should have added that I received scholarships these past two years to attend from my local association. I did not have to demonstrate any financial need. It is important for you, Chase, your school district and your Ds community at large for you to obtain this information. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Sorry to keep bugging you, but I want to make sure you include everything in your proposal. Please remember taxi to and from airport both at home and in KC, $55 per day food allowance, taxes and fees on top of room rate, registration fees for both the preconference and the conference, cost of dvd series to share with people in your school community, cost of Saturday evening banquet ticket.
I think if you break it down into categories, you will have better luck. While you may be asking an association for a scholarship that has no extra funding this year, you might end up with someone on their board giving you an open airline ticket because this person has an outrageous amount of points from traveling and credit card usage. Someone else might turnaround and use Westin points to pay for your hotel room. NDSC gives you a scholarship and boom, you're there!
Corporations give money based upon their mission. Chase would qualify under education, disabilities or health care focus.
My guess is you do have the United Way in your area. While the United Way might not be the best source for this gig, find out which corporations participate and who is receiving the funding. The people receiving the funding might fund the trip. Our local association is now receiving United Way funds. We would fund the scholarship after being funded by the United Way. Make sense?
mb
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Post by Emilysmom on Mar 25, 2007 12:56:34 GMT -5
Robin Hon,
Forget the hotel reservation!!! You are more than welcome to stay with me and Emily in our room!!! (Ours is already reserved). That's one less worry. And you could fly with Laurasnowbird, so you'll have someone to help you tolerate the flight (she would be the most calming person I know to fly with you!!!).
THANKS MB for some awesome helpful ideas for Robin.
Susan
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Post by MB on Mar 25, 2007 14:25:04 GMT -5
And, you're never in the room anyway. I'm feeling the love! KC or bust!
mb
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Post by dannysmom on Mar 25, 2007 15:00:32 GMT -5
What great suggestions, I too am going to save this thread. See, after all that has gone on the last few days....threads like this is why I come to uno!! The support and knowledge on this site is amazing!!
We are really going to try and make it this year. Aug 5th will be the 2nd anniversary of Daniel's open heart surgery. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than being at the conference!!!
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Post by Jessie on Mar 26, 2007 10:53:31 GMT -5
Ok, Miss Robin, I can't remember which city you live in here in Michigan, but I'm thinking you are probably close enough to join our group. Doesn't mean you have to attend our meetings (it would be nice but not mandatory) . . . we just have a very small membership fee. We just went over our budget last week and we have conference registration fees included to provide to parents (sorry, not the travel, just the reg fees) as well as a $300 stipend to go towards any therapy a parent feels their child needs. I know, $300 isn't alot when it comes to therapies, but maybe it would cover a consultation somewhere else.
Jason doesn't have problems swallowing, but he still tongue thrusts and it's hard for him to keep his mouth closed when he chews. His ST at MSU this term (the one we think is wonderful) is working on all of those kinds of issues with him . . . more so than just trying to get him to repeat words . . . she's actually working with him on where to place his tongue in his mouth, etc. I guess it kind of makes sense about the different textures within certain dishes . . . Jason still tends to pick apart things and eat them by each ingrediant, hence his dislike for soup. However, he's definitely improved there, he will actually dip his meat or biscuit in mashed potatoes now, he would never do that before. I'm sure Chase's issues could be helped - you just need to find the right person to help you guys!
Again, I don't remember how far it would be for you to take Chase to MSU, but I can get you contact info if you want it.
Jessie
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Post by momofrussell on Mar 26, 2007 11:42:26 GMT -5
I know Russell had a difficult time chewing when he was younger and our PT actually was a great ST stand in  and she helped get Russell to learn to chew. That said, he still would rather eat soft foods and mash them on the roof of his mouth... but not that often.. but it does happen. Sorry I am not much help on the chewing issue but I love the idea of you getting a way to the convention, Robin! ;D So... I think you just need to look into the avenues/ideas given to you and get going with coming to the NDSC conference...no pressure or anything though LMAO A. |
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Post by chasesmom on Mar 26, 2007 21:10:08 GMT -5
oh you guys all rock.....I am for sure feeling the love here!!!! MB, I went to the NDSC site and couldnt find a place to go to request a scholarship for the conference, do you know who I would contact for that?
I think I am just going to stay with Susan and Emily in their room, we havent gotten to have any good heart to heart in two years so that will be wonderful being in her room because we missed the get together last year and I wont be able to afford it this year either. Jessie, if I cant get a scholarship thru NDSC I will call you about your group if thats okay. I for sure have to call Laura to see if she is going to fly because as Susan will tell you all....I have never flown and I am terrified of the very thought but this is really important.....I just need to find funding for the flight and food and all the other xtras MB just named! eekks! When there is the will there has to be a way. I can't believe I am trying to do this! Cross that out....I am GOING to do this.
hugs to you all, Robin
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Post by MB on Mar 26, 2007 21:28:49 GMT -5
I have pm'd about NDSC.
mb
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Susan, Proud mom of Michael (32), Justin (25) Emily (22ds), and Jordan (20).
and she helped get Russell to learn to chew. That said, he still would rather eat soft foods and mash them on the roof of his mouth... but not that often.. but it does happen.