Sean first speech appointment

Today was Sean's first speech therapy appointment. Unfortunately, we don't get the same therapist who did our initial consult (long story), but I'm thrilled that the new therapist is wonderful as well! Sean took to her right away. The session went very quickly - only 45 minutes (with the last five minutes allowed for the therapist to type up a summary and assign us "homework"). Of course right in the middle of the session, my once-every-two-day-pooper, pooped. That was lovely. A quick change later and we were back in the session.

I finally got a copy of the evaluation that was had done in November. Here are the highlights:

Language Comprehension Equivalency: 21-24 months
Language Expression Equivalency: 15-18 months

"Language comprehension is solid at 21-24 months with skills scattered up to 27-30 months. Language expression is solid at 15-18 months, with 50% of skills at 18-21 months, and one skill in the 24-27 month age range (uses action words)."

"Sean smiled frequently. He interacted well with the clinician and played with a variety of toys appropriately. He enjoyed looking at books, playing with the stacking cup, and with the barn and animals. He followed directions well, and was very cooperative. Use of eye contact, communicative intent, reciprocity, and joint attention were age appropriate."

The therapist did ask if he was congested as he was breathing very heavily. My answer was no, he has always breathed very hard. Every pediatrician (our regular dr., ones on call, etc.) have all commented on how large his tonsils are ("golf ball size"), which probably explains why he breaths hard and snores like a freight train. Maybe that explains his love for trains??? Anyway, she mentioned that several children with enlarged tonsils have speech delays. Since they are so large, they bulge and press funny in their mouth, which gives them a funny feeling - thus making it hard for them to talk! That could explain why he understands so well, but cannot communicate. Interesting, eh? In the meantime, he'll go to speech once a week for 6-8 months and then be reevaluated.

We have an appointment with Dr. Streigel (his pediatrician) Monday to discuss what to do from here regarding his tonsils. Of course I don't want him to have surgery, but then again, if it will help him sleep better, breath better, eat better, talk better... why not!!! I'll keep you posted, but that's it for now!