Today was Wyatt’s big speech evaluation.
And although it didn’t go exactly as I had envisioned it – I am definitely glad that we went, learned, and met the people who we’ll be working with for the next few months/years/however long it takes.
We sat in a small room while the therapist watched Wyatt and asked us questions.
We were there for about an hour.
There was a small observation room where Wyatt’s Puppa waited and watched us.
He was able to see the whole appointment because there was a live camera in our room – which was a blessing because I could have never remembered all that the therapist said.
The therapist sat and talked with William and I. And every so often I just looked over at William for reassurance. As soon as the therapist threw out the word “Autism” my heart sank. I told him that my nephew also has Autism. He paused and said, “Oh, so it’s in the family“.
I felt defeated.
I had walked into that room expecting for the speech therapist to laugh and say..
he’s only 22 months old – it’s okay that he isn’t talking – some just take longer than others….
He went on to tell William and I that by his observations and the answers we gave him he could gather the following:
- When it comes to language comprehension Wyatt is in the 6-9 month age range.
- When it comes to speech he scored in the 12-18 month range.
- Wyatt will need to be tested for Autism because is showing some (very few) of the signs.
- Wyatt will also need to attend speech therapy twice a week.
I am scared and trying my best to keep it all together.
It is always so hard to think something may be wrong and then hear the same thing you’re thinking come out of a doctors mouth. Even as I type this I can feel the warm tears welling up in my eyes. It’s hard to not be emotional. The first thing I want to do is blame myself. And I know that’s not fair.
The only thing I can do is suck it up and do whatever I need to do to help my son. Take him to speech therapy twice a week, take what I learn from those lessons and apply them at home, be positive, stay positive, and shower him with love.
I can do this.
I can do this.
I’m scared.
But, I can do this.
^^ I wrote this on Wyatt’s chalkboard this morning and posted it to my Instagram. I guess I didn’t know just how much I needed to hear it today.
My heart is aching for you. I’ll be praying for you all continuously. It’s okay to be scared.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it friend, xo.
Aw hugs mama! You’re doing exactly what’s right for Wyatt ๐ You’re not doing anything wrong at all– if anything you’re doing everything right! Love you, Kendall!
Thanks Chelsea. It’s just really hard. Thank you for your support! XO.
Kendall, I know two families with children in speech therapy and I used to care (some years ago) for a child who also took speech therapy – all their Drs confirmed that their children needed it. I’m not saying that they didn’t – but my Little sister didn’t speak until 3 years old. She just didn’t want to. She was happy, playful, cuddly and around three, her words started coming. I want to give you hope for your Little Guy. Whether speech therapy is the answer or something else – God will show you.
On another note, I just got the Dressed To Thrill tie in the mail and it’s soooo cute! I’ll be doing a photoshoot with Aiden in the future wearing the tie and I’ll be sure to share the pics.
Emily – Thank you so much. I’m glad you LOVE the tie! I would love to see a pic of Aiden in it! ๐
My son had to have 9 months of speech therapy at 2 years old because he wasn’t saying anything. Now, Autism was never discussed so I don’t have any experience in that, but speech therapy did wonders for my son. WONDERS. It was so hard at first, and I think I cried more than he ever did. But I promise if you stick with it, and do what the therapists tell you to do at home, you will be amazed. Feel free to email me too! [email protected]
Yes! It is so hard. Especially now because he’s confused. He never really had to ask for anything before and now we’re making him try and say everything. I’m excited to get the speech therapy started – I want to learn how I can better work with him. Thank you for your comment SO much!
What a day, I can only imagine how it felt! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all! I don’t have children of my own (yet), but I’ve taught elementary school for a long time. I always have children with speech delays in my class, and they are for a variety of reasons. If you need anything, or have questions about what will happen come school time, or what I’ve found has been helpful for kids who have done early intervention….please email me!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
[email protected]
It has definitely been a LONG week, that’s for sure. Thank you so much – I might have to take you up on that – or if you ever want to write a guest post with the information it could really help out a lot of parents! Let me know & THANK YOU!!
Aww I know EXACTLY what you’re going through Kendall. When my brother was about Wyatt’s age, he wasn’t talking either. I remember my mom crying when we were told that we’d have to do sign language with him, test him for autism, and do speech therapy four times a week. A therapist came to our house to work with him for about a year. It all worked out and now he won’t STOP talking! haha.
I’m praying for you girl! Wyatt will make it through this and it will all work out wonderfully ๐ I just know it will! I know I’m not a mama but my best advice would be to continue working with him at home (maybe try simple sign language!) and don’t force it too much…he’ll get there!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
I can’t wait to begin – you are such a wonderful person and I just adore you. Thank you for always supporting my family and I. XO.
I don’t understand from a moms view but from a teachers view it’s so amazing that you noticed these things and are having him tested so soon. The more you know to do now, the better it will be for him as he grows older. I have a student who was diagnosed VERY early and is just moving right along. The unknown has to be scary but how amazing that y’all are so involved and will hopefully have answers so that your able to move to the next step in the right direction for Wyatt!! Special prayers for comfort, understanding, and peace.
Thank you for saying that Ashley, there are a lot of people that think we’re nuts for taking Wyatt to these appointments. I agree that the earlier you diagnose the better you can help! And that’s exactly what we’ve been trying to do with Wyatt. Thank you! xo.
HUGE HUGS for you!! you CAN do this – you WILL look back on this in a few years and say, “Wow – remember when…? Look at how far he’s come!!!” That is a PROMISE.
Thank you. Thank you! It is just so hard right now. But I know it will only get easier as time goes on. Love you girl. XO.
My son was NOT talking either at 22 months. Both kids hit 2 years old and they picked up a few words. My son was evaluated around 2 1/2 years old with Sensory Integration Disorder. He is super smart and you wouldn’t really know that he had speech issues, that he has trouble with his fine motor skills, or that he possibly has aspergers. I don’t think I spelled that right.
Matthew went to speech from the time he was 3 years old during the school year, and during the summer. We worked with him at home on speech and everything else. It was HARD, it still is hard some days. But some days with him are awesome. He is now 5 1/2. He went to a special ed prek class last year. This year he is in a Kindergarten transition class. He is now reading, writing, and adding numbers. He does speak slower when he’s trying to think and talk at the same time. But only then would you think that something is wrong with him. He has a few behavioral issues, but everything is slow going and it’s a work in progress.
Get your son help with speech and motor skills. Get him some OT therapy too. I bet he doesn’t have autism. They wouldn’t even test Matthew for it until he turned 4. They want to see him back again later this year, to test him for aspergers. ๐ Talk about scary, but I am sure that I already know that he has it.
You CAN do this. Try also, some food changes, it’s amazing that changing his diet can help him too. Food feeds his brain, and if he eats a lot of gluten and food with dyes and preservatives in them, it can hurt him.
Thank you for all of the suggestions – I really appreciate it! It sounds like your son has made great progress + I can’t wait to get started with Wyatt. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
I’m sorry. ๐ I will pray for you and your family. xo.
Thank you Hannah, I appreciate that. xo.
Huge hugs and lots of prayers!! <3
Thanks love! You’re so sweet! <3
We had my daughter tested for by Early Childhood Intervention when she was 24 months. At the time she was not making sounds but not talking. They never told us that she had autism. We started her on Speech, Behavioral and Sensory therapy once a week. After 3 months she continued with just Speech therapy. By the time she was 2 1/2 years old she was talking nonstop, counting to 20, reciting her ABCs you name it.
Every child is different and they all learn and develop on their own time. I was worried when she was getting therapy because they told us that she slightly on the autism sprectrum. My daughter is now 4 1/2 years old and she is perfectly fine (other than some social issues – but what 4 year old doesn’t).
I am not an expert in any means but I would recommend reading aloud A LOT, looking at board/picture books and getting a subscription to ABCMouse.com. ABC Mouse is just amazing. My daughter learned how to read and do simple math from that website. No I am not affiliated with them in anyway. I really do believe that website helped my daughter in many ways.
Good luck to you!
Thank you Aprile! We are going to have Wyatt tested by Early On as well – and see what kind of help they can offer us in addition to what we will be getting through the local hospital. I just want to hear what he has to say so badly! And I will do anything for him. Thank you so much for commenting – it shows me that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel and that all of this IS worth it. XO.