Ponderings on Early Intervention--a constant theme of mine.

B's class at Kennedy Krieger is almost done--and while I'm sad about it I am ready for it to be done.  I know I've mentioned that in my earlier posting this week.  Today was one of those days, though, when he did so many cute things, said a lot of words, and really made me feel like "he gets it." Yesterday at his home visit and today in class he was using a new word, "under", in the correct context and it sounds so benign, but it just makes my heart jump out of my chest to hear him talk.  I cannot even think or imagine where he would be (or wouldn't be) had it not been for the wonderful people at REACH at Kennedy Krieger. 

I continue to be amazed that there are parents out there who know or feel that their children  aren't meeting milestones but yet are not seeking out Early Intervention services--whether private or through a local public school program.  I was talking about this on Monday at one of our final parent trainings and I think I get why parents aren't pursuing help.  I guess it's obvious but they are in denial--they hear a professional, say someone from the local Infants and Toddlers/Birth-to-three program say "Susie is just speech delayed, she'll catch up" or "Joey is fine, he'll be talking soon enough..."  and they WANT to believe it.  Am I really so unique that when those things are presented (my child isn't/wasn't meeting milestones and I pushed to get answers) that I go for the gusto, go in fighting for my kid? I can't possibly be the only parent who would do that!! Sometimes I feel that way though...

When I see where A. is--at 7 1/2 years old she is in a typical educational setting in our local school--I know that it is the result of hard work.  On her part, my part, Hubby's part, and countless other professionalls and not-professionals helping us along the way.  We got through things pretty easily with C. and perhaps we even thought we were getting there with B. too...but when Dr. Landa noticed B's head lag early last August we sprang into action.  While I have certainly had days when I was worried--what parent wouldn't??--I have been pretty certain, based on what progress I have seen, that Ben is well on his way to a pretty typical childhood.  So far his "development arc" seems to be following Cassie's and not Addie's.  Still though--I am continuing to search out strategies and programs that are going to keep us on the right page, the right trajectory.  It's my job!! In this season of thankfulness I would be remiss not to mention just how grateful I am for my Hubby.  His hard work and dedication to the field of Energy & Environmental Law are the main reason I get to be B's number one therapist, advocate, and giant playmate.   Things are always a little crazy--and the afternoons/evenings can sometimes make me feel like I'm drowning....but it's a good life.  Really. 

In other news--I am now seriously considering going back to school to pursue a dream I've had for years now.  I would like to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and focus on working with little ones--I've been doing it as a parent for a while now and I feel that I could let that talent be nurtured into something more.  It's scary, and still a few years away, but I'm excited. Really excited. 

In still other news--stay tuned--Ben and I may be on TV in the coming weeks!!! (Thanks to our friends at Kennedy Krieger, of course!) 

Sleep Well, my friends!