Hello,
My Daughter is now almost 7. Since she was almost 5 we
noticed she was talking to fewer and fewer people.. I
feel we were over protective and didn't let her stay
with other people enough.. When she was in preschool
she did not talk to the teachers.. and only a few
kids.. It takes her a while to get to know some one
and when she does and she feels ok, then she will
talk.. Her teachers were very concerned, so they had
me talk to the school speech therapist who knew
exactly what was going on , even though that school
system hadn't had a child with SM in a few years..She
had another therapist go in to the preschool and
observe her.. Everything has pointed to SM.. In
kindergarten, they must have thought it was an easy
fix, because they didn't do a whole lot for her.. She
did qualify for speech theraphy.. We didn't have our
"big" meeting until almost the end of the school year
and then they realized that Tabby wasn't going to talk
to any one over night.. They had bought their first
book, to get some ideas on what they should do.. Our
Ped, is very helpful.. We tried one medication and it
didn't help.. so now she is in play theraphy and we
can actually see an inprovement.. She has started
talking to more kids, but again it takes her a while
when a new kid comes along.. She is in 1st grade now
and the school has done more to try and make her more
comfortable.. The school picked a teacher before the
end of last school term , so she was able to spend one
on one time with the teacher.. She gets one on one
time with her speech therapist.. and she is doing
sounds for the teacher.. Its a thrill when she laughs
out loud.. Sign a note saying its ok for the Teacher
to talk to the DR.. This has been very helpful.. If
the Dr recignised(sp) the signs for SM he/she can
explaine them to the teacher and answer any questions
the teacher might have.. Don't let them try to walk
over you, you are the parent, you know whats going
on.. This is something that alot of schools are not
trained to deal with and they may not change
willinglee.. most of all, stay calm.. It will get
better.. Its a slow progress..
Shelly

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Shelly Holloway


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