Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Update on Services for Kids

So we had Malachi and Madelynn's meeings last night. Thanks Ken and Diane for watching the kids!!! Here is the latest....

Madelynn - There is no question that she qualifies, but it should be more short term than her brother. She will be going to the LISD play group twice a week for the last two weeks for June. Then in July she'll do the play group once a week. She is also being recommended for a more intense one-on-one session. We were told last night that she would get play group once a week and the other session once a week. I'm not really sure if she'll be getting the extra session during the two weeks in June because she's getting the play group twice. Hmmm.....I need to ask more questions on this. They also gave us a ring of picture cards to start working with her. The program is based on Nancy Coffman (I'm not really sure how to spell her name). She put certain sounds and types of words in a heirarchy. So, the ring of cards we have now are easier and as she gets them we'll move on to harder ones. We started them today and she's doing really well. I honestly don't think it will be long before we move on to the next set. She's so smart!

Malachi - Malachi will get speech and occupational therapy (ot) and he's on consult for physical therapy (pt). He'll be doing the same LISD play group twice a week in June and then it will drop to once a week for the remainder of the summer. They are recommending once a week, but I'm pushing for twice a week. I'm not satisfied with only once a week considering how far behind he is. I'll just keep pestering until they do what I want! Josh thinks I'm good at pestering so it shouldn't be too hard...right???? :) Malachi will NOT get an additional one-on-one session because he needs therapy that is play based at this point and the intensity of the other would easily frustrate him. He doesn't have the comprehension that Maddie has so it would be unfair to put him through that when he'd most likely not succeed at this point.

***Also, I was mislead about Malachi's sensory needs. It is NOT in his report! I never filled out any paper work regarding this! As of now, it is only suspected by one person in the group. They gave me the paper work to fill out and return to them. I will update more on this as I find it out. I will say that I am frustrated about this!!! He's being misdiagnosed....someone jumping ahead before he's evalated for it.***

We are scheduled to start on Monday, June 15th. We'll go Monday and Wednesday's for an hour and a half. Monday's will be just the therapy group and Wednesday's will include the Lenawee's Child play group (which was recommended for Aiden to challenge him more). We're killing two birds with one stone. :) While I'm still not sure on all the details, we do at least have a starting point and as we get into the routine, I'll be able to ask more questions and figure things out. I'll also be able to see how the kids react to the situation and determine if we're heading down the right path for their success.

Also, the best part is that all three kids get to go to each session. Even Aiden, who doesn't qualify for any services, gets to participate. The kids will be split up into different groups withing the play group which is good. This means that Aiden can't do all the speaking for the three of them. During Madelynn's individual session, me and the boys will be able to play in a near by room or in the same room away from her while she works. This is great because we don't need to spend extra money on finding a sitter for one or two kids several times a week. I'm thrilled with it!

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good about it. I still have questions and concerns, but I think things will get worked out once we start. I am confident that the kids will adjust quickly to the routine of being there. I also think they'll enjoy being with other kids in a new environment. I'll update more on their progress in a couple of weeks once we begin.

Lastly, I wanted to thank all of you who have been praying for us and this process. I can say that it is much easier to be in the teacher role than it is in the parent role. It's frustrating and heart breaking when someone tells you there is something wrong with your child, even when you did expect it already! It has taken me some time to deal with everything and come to terms with it, but I know that my little boy will always be my little boy. Regardless of what 'problems' he has and what therapy he has to endure, I will always love him and he'll always love his mommy. Thats what really counts!

No comments:

Post a Comment