So, as therapists we write progress notes once a month or once a quarter...whatever the facility you work at has implemented as their policy. After breakfast this morning I believe I could have written an interesting progress note. You see, not only does Blake have Down syndrome, he also has a
diagnosis called "
apraxia of speech." It is such a challenging and frustrating thing to deal with as a parent, and probably more so for Blake. He knows what he wants to say, but can't figure out how to motor plan (place/move his oral musculature) to make sounds that form letters and words. Once he learns how to form a letter or word his ability to say it can come and go for awhile until it finally clicks and he can say it comfortably all of the time. *please note I am NOT a speech pathologist, so this explanation is not perfect, but just how I interpret
apraxia!
Lately Blake has been making HUGE gains in the area of speech and language including tons of imitation of words, forming long sentences, spontaneously telling us stories and communicating much more typical for his age. We have loved watching his speech blossom! So, this morning I could have written a
fantastic progress report about his speech and how incredibly appropriate it was. This is what happened...
During the breakfast rush, which is an understatement, Blake requested more milk. We currently have milk from Costco, which I loathe because it always spills. Poor design for a milk jug, in my opinion. Anyway, I poured his milk and of course it spilled onto the table. Blake
nonchalantly shouted, "SH*T!" As most parents would have scolded their child and explained how we don't use vulgar language, I said "Nice talking, Blake!" Now that's progress. And a reminder I need to watch what I say and buy milk at Publix.
I don't recall every seeing "cover the face with a lovey" on any developmental charts in school or during my last 11 years of practice. It seems you have to do this as part of your development to be a Hollenbeck. Dane would cover his face with his lovey to fall asleep, and now his sister is doing the same thing. Hey, whatever works to self-soothe, right? I love the picture of her peeking out to see if I was watching...
A big thanks to the Barden's for hosting us for Halloween again this year! Since moving to Greenville we have spent each Halloween with Ben and Lauren...and now with Lola, too! We love going to their house, sharing dinner and trick or treating in their neighborhood. This year Blake and Dane were in on the passing out candy and loved running to the door with each knock or doorbell. It has been fun watching the boys grow up each year as they are now able to independently walk to the door, knock, say trick or treat (and thank you, thank goodness!) and eagerly find the next house with the front porch light on. Blake had some difficulty controlling his impulses, but we had to try to work through it. We look forward to next year - our LAST year! - as we watch Blake, Dane, Lola and Blair share in the Halloween tradition at the Barden's...
