where is Ruth...

Oh Ruth.. Where are u.. miss your post.

wondering the same thing....i was too embarrassed to post the "what did you eat today" thread.....

Hey Carla here I am ...I've been in a bit of a funk the last few days so haven't been posting as much, even though I read every day. Sorry guys I haven't been feeling too good - tired and stressed about other things going on. Off topic, I'm taking my 6 year old, Millie to the peadiatrician next week for some problems she's been having. So that has been on my mind, worrying how I'm going to explain what's been going on. Actually, Mandy, what age do you teach? One thing is that Millie is still frequently mixing up tenses and words when she talks (like a toddler does). I haven't noticed the others in her class doing this at this age, so don't know if this is a problem or not. What do you think? She may have some developmental delays or other reasons why she is having problems and/or epilepsy. As a result, I've given my body the week off this week and have fed it carb snacks, which have made me feel sluggish. I really need to get back to the protein! Thanks for missing me - it means alot to me

I am not a teacher but I am a developmental specialist and speech specialist so I might be able to answer some of your questions as well.. first off.. age 6 what month.. some children are younger than others and at this age.. months count too. Other than a ped doc have you had her assessed for speech, hearing, and developmental delays. You can sometimes see that in a child but if it is frequent there may be a problem. With speech.. they look at pragmatics, syntacs and mean leaght utterance.. as well as vocabulary dictionary. these are all important in determining if there is a speech or developmental delay. Hearing.. many dont realize that the child has a hearing problem because the look or respond to noise.. With hearing their is a scale where certain sounds are heard and others can not. this leaves the child only hearing parts of things and in turn messes up there ability to communicate effectively. Developmental Delays. there are various test that can look at the developmental delays of a child. At this early age it is harder to get a clear picture but with certain test it can look at the childs cognitive, expressive and receptive skills. With this said it is hard to determine much with out more information. I hope this helps you at least look for where you might find the answers to some of your questions. Carla

Oh Carla I wish we lived near to you. You are exactly what we need. I cried when I read your post as I'm so worried I won't be able to describe Millie's symptoms adequately to the Ped. dr. She is 6 years and 7 months. She is very immature (also noted by her teacher). She had speech delays when she was young and had speech therapy when she was 17 months for a few months - didn't say any words until she was 2 years old. But she has made up for that now and talks almost non stop, even with the errors. She tested positive for drugs at birth (she is adopted, we fostered her from birth) so had problems associated with that for the first few months of her life. I am concerned that these are all related and want to insure that she gets assessed and treated if needed. Over here, you have to be referred by the ped, and when you first meet her it is not obvious there is anything wrong. Thanks for your support. It's good to know there are tests that can be done and I will certainly push for that now I know a bit more.

I was going to suggest a speech evaluation also. I teach 3rd grade so I don't have much info on 6 year olds. BUT syntax is always difficult for any age. Speak with your child's teacher about the testing that Carla mentioned. Here in Georgia we have many steps to be taken to get the adequate testing for developmental delays done. It will be much "easier" if you initiate it, because teachers often times have road blocks set before them where this is concerned. My prayers are with you, Mandy

Thanks Mandy I apprciate your support and prayers

Again.. I am unsure about how things are done in England, but you need to approach the school.. Here schools are responsible for providing speech therapy. Knowing her age now and that she was drug addicted you may have some serious problems on your hands I am sorry to say. Babies born with additions are far more likely to have developmental delays. Let me address the first thing i saw.. she had speech therapy for a short time.. Not good enough.. she should be continuing to have that support for years.. It is obvious that she has issues there. Speech therapy needs to happen now. Push the school to continue that at least 2 times a week.. schools dont like giving away services as they cost money but if you yell loud enough you will get it. Look into occupational therapy as well. You did not mention much in this area. Does she have good pincher palmer grasp (ablity to manipulate small and large items). Propreception.. how hard to touch and not touch... Is she busy... very active.. these are all things you need to look at. occupational therapy helps in all those areas and can help your make adjustments to problems she may be having.. try and push for that... if you give me info I can help you formulate a defense with the school. She most definately needs to be tested for developmental delays. You say she did not talk at all prior to age two.. or did she begin to talk than stop and start again. this is often a sign of autism. What concerns me here now is you says she now talks none stop.. that is also an indicator of autism. questions to ask. Does she repeat what you say.. echolia... does she have rote statements.. things she heard others say.. Is your communication one sided with little interaction with others. How many words is in her average sentence. how often does she repeat the same words... does she ask and answer herself in talking.. This is what you need to bring up to a speech therapist so she can get the information needed to really assess her communication skills. I dont know if you have read my profile.. but I have 4 adopted children. My 11 year old son has many problems (not related to the others). He is a current diagnosis of mild mental retardation, austism and mental health issues that make him agressive. Trust me.. if he were not with me.. he would be hospitalized in a facility... but I love him dearly and do what I can to help him. I also have an 8 year old girl who was addicted at birth (3 of my kids are related). She was underweight and is still small for her age. I got her services at 3 years old because of language delays and have had her in school since receiving speech therapy. She is doing much better but was held back one year to give her time to catch up. She has some problems but I monitor them closely. You got to with a child who was addicted at birth. She is very hyperactive and recieves medication to help her in school. She is unable to stay in a chair long enough to even eat a meal with out it. My other son who is also 11 has severe ADHD as well. He also has chronic depression (heriditary) and takes medication for that as well as receives therapy 2 times a week. My oldest 15 year old daughter.. with lots of work she has overcome her problems. She is a good student and is a 3rd degree black belt in karate. She had a lot of problems when I got her at 8 years old. The mother of the 3 kids I have was a real mess as I am sure you know dealing with the foster care system.. With work and a lot of patience I am confident that my kids will be fine.. they will someday be self sufficient and successful in life. So let me know if you need any help with anything.. I am not be next door but I am only a message away. I will try to help you anyway I can to get the best you can for your child. Again.. your system is different and getting things may be different, but your childs needs are still the same... we need to make sure she gets the things she needs. My prayers are with you Ruth...

Carla I cannot begin to tell you how helpful you have been. Thank you so much for sharing your family details with me. I have been feeling so alone in this as I don't know anyone who has a child with possible delays, so to hear your story helps me know I'm not alone. We are seeing the ped on Tuesday, so i'll let you know how we get on. I have made a note of all your comments, questions and suggestions and can now sit down and think through what needs to be said and requested. Thank you again...