The Beginning

Christian was born 2 1/2 months early and while we were cautioned from birth that he could suffer serious problems or be delayed in his growth he didn't seem to have any noticeable problems. Around 2 1/2 years old, we realized that his speech just wasn't going to improve on its own. We started flash cards and other typical things. We pointed everything out and tried to get him to repeat everything. If he wanted something, we made him ask. There was no pointing or grunting for things. At 3 1/2 he still hadn't improved. I was getting frustrated beyond belief with MYSELF because I couldn't figure out why I couldn't help him. I mean I'm his mom and I couldn't get him to do something as simple as talking.

So we started going to the doctor's which was almost a waste of time...don't get me wrong I LOVE our doctor but it was just so hard to figure out where the next step would be. When he turned 4 in July, we decided to try head start--well actually we tried when he was still 3 but it took them 8 months to tell me that no even though he had a need we couldn't get him into head start because we made more money then the average person--whatever is all I have to say to that. The head start wouldn't even clue me in on where to go. I think it was pure laziness on their part because the speech therapist for the school district(IEP) goes to the head start once a week. Finally 3 months after his 4th birthday we had him enrolled in the IEP preschool 3 times a week with speech. He entered that school rated at a 36 month old.
He improved slightly and was actually removed from that class and sent to a "typical" preschool class this year. I'm going to list his needs and things the school and myself and my husband will be doing this year to help him with his speech and other cognitive skills.