Momentum
July 23, 2007
Our county's Early Intervention department called this morning. Initial intake assessment will be done on August 8th at 9 am. The two-hour one, the important one, will probably be done the next day.
FYI to those of y'all using this blog to gauge your own child and the appropriate level of concern: After listening to our worries and the extent of Noah's vocabulary, they originally told us the big evaluation probably couldn't be done until the end of August or even the beginning of September. But once we told them about how Noah loses words (plane/light/fan all turning back into "nah" after awhile, for example, while other words vanish all together), they ever-so-suddenly bumped him up to the front of the line and gave us the August 9th slot.
I have no idea what that means, if anything. And I don't really have much else to say today. I read the new Harry Potter. I got my hair cut. We bought some ice cream cones and ate them while Noah splashed in a fountain.
Jason turned to me and said, "You know what? I'm not worried about him anymore. I think he's going to be just fine."
"I agree," I said. "I'm not even thinking about it much anymore."
But still. It felt really, really great to get that phone call this morning.
Yeah for getting the phone call and the early test date.
That's great that you got an earlier test date! It's so soon! And, I'm sure it will alleviate a lot of your worries. I love that picture of Noah -- his hair is beautiful!!
Amy - Early intervention typically doesn't "do" summers because they are tied into the school system. Noah is going to be just fine. You are going to be just fine. And your family is going to be just fine also. They will come out and play with him and sing songs and play with his toys and ask you questions and it will all be good. It's really good to know. And if Noah ends up as one of their kids... well, your case worker will be just like one of the family. Ask me how I know... ;-)
Tis the season for haircuts? I got mine cut last weekend too and totally wanted Nicole Richie inspired side-swept bangs, but chickened out at the last minute.
Your look beautiful darlin'.
And your son, pinchably cute. But not that I would pinch him because strangers pinching kids is totally weird.
i am needing a haircut badly badly badly. i succumbed to the "i'm broke, i'll let my partner cut my hair" temptation earlier this year, and it is always a downward spiral from there.
i liked my haircut at first until my butch trainer called me a butch. and here i thought i had a pixie cut.
still broke. hair still bad. maybe i should put a paypal donation thingee on my website?
btw, i love noah's little crocs. they're perfect. and i've been sending my best, vocabulary-rich thoughts your way all week.
Your hair looks incredible. So does Noah's.
First off, love Noah's shoes, I bought my son a pair just because it was fun to buy him something cute and different. I don't get a lot of those opportunities having a boy, (and he loves them and wants them in another color).
Second, you look beautiful with your new do!
Third, yeah for the appointment where you will find out that he is going to be just fine and is already so cute he could possibly be eaten by bears. :)
Oh my gosh, I LOVE the new haircut! So stylish and manageable! I wish I could get my hair to look like that...
yeah!!!!!!!!!It's going to be fine. I have a lot of experience with this program and they are fabulous.
He is going to be fine. Each day it will get a little easier to swallow. I just don't understand how you two could eat ice cream cones while Noah played in the fountain. My kids would be like, screw the fountain, where's our ice cream? :)
Great hair. I love that they cut the bangs with ponytails in mind that is exactly what I need to suggest next time I get mine done.
So glad you got the call about the appointment. Whatever the outcome Noah will truly be just fine, perfect even.
You're absolutely right. Noah will be ok (is ok) and any help he needs is right there and available and free- you said it was free, right?. Worry not! With looks like that, the kid is unstoppable.
p.s. love the new hair. also, i just got my hair cut in a shockingly similar fashion. all i can say is, thank god the blow out lasts for a couple of days, thus prolonging having to actually style it myself.
Taking action always make you feel better. (I'm talking about Noah, not your hair, although the statement works for that too, I guess.) :)
Good luck to you and your family. Noah is so adorable!
He's so precious Amy, Noah will be fine as long as you and Jason are fine. And you will be. Because you went through hell and high water to have this amazing child. I have never known...well you know, "internet known" a more dedicated and strong mother. I just hope that I can be a fraction of that. I wish you all the well wishes in the world for your upcoming assessment!
Your new 'do rocks almost as hard as Noah's tiny crocs. Seriously? Can there be anything cuter than tiny crocs? (Answer: Yes! Side sweepy bangs for the pony-tail minded!)
He will be fine. This may even be a good thing, in the long run.
After testing in first grade, my son was tapped (and not in a good way) for a highly-touted program called Reading Recovery. After I got done weeping and wailing and gnashing my teeth (why my boy? I read to this kid in utero! we have books all over the place! a library, even! I read to him every night!), we thought it was the most fortuitous thing that could have happened. He got one-one-one time with a special teacher 5 days a week for an entire semester, and by the end of the program he was reading at a THIRD GRADE level. He is now going to be a sophomore in high school and is an honor roll student. Hooray for Early Intervention!
You are absolutely right, Noah will be just fine. Great, in fact. Good luck with everything, keep us posted.
Me again, we just cane back from Isaac's parent teacher eval.18 months ago ( aged 4) he could say 4 words. Dad, beh ( seth) baba ( mama) and bull ( milk) he hid from everyone and everything, he held his breath until he passed out at least 5 times a day because he was afraid ( someone would talk to him, I would move away from him too quickly) Today we heard how he is the most popular child in his class ( mainstream school)he reads at an above average for his year ( and he is 10 months younger than most of the other children)She is thrilled with him, she almost cried at the thought that he won't be with her next year. I can't help but think how he was SUCH an oddball when he began nursery class ( kindie)we thought he would never be able to funtion like other children. What a difference in 18 months, he still cannot speak to people he doesn't know, finds it incredibly hard to speak in a formal setting but he is a star. He's getting there.
I am thrilled that Noah is getting seen so quickly and even more thrilled that Jason can look at him and know that there is nothing to worry about. Because there really isn't you know.
EI is totally fine!! First time poster very long time reader. I found your link a looong time ago on a blog that shut down, did you read Karen @ The NO? She had you as a link. We have a daughter from China who's 13 days younger than Noah, she was born 10/13/05 (yes, I know totally different story, but please read on...) We've been working to get her to speak for the past 7 months. She said basic words when we first "met" her and then she lost them within a week. With EI's help we're getting those words and many more ( god help me) back. Patience and a lot of mommy love will go far with your exremely handsome son and next time you're in Philly, let me know...
Glad to hear that you all are getting in sooner rather than later. You all are on top of it...he's a GREAT kid, and you'll be shocked at how much progress he makes once you get therapy started!! :)
Darn it -- I just deleted my comment by accident.
Your hair looks great, girl. (That was the most important part of the previous comment.)
Noah's speech will be just fine, don't you worry. My daughter has gotten so much from the speech language people she's worked with. It takes awhile, just hang in.
A little trick I've learned going down the early intervention road; always make it sound worse than it really is. Never make excuses or try and make things sound better.
Better to get more services than he needs, than less.
You know? I have faith in you all and especially in Noah-- he'll be fine! I decree it!
Your new haircut is awesome. I love your bangs. I wish I could have bangs! I love bangs like that so much but I have two really monster cowlicks and I have no idea how to overcome that.
Whatever the reason, getting in sooner is a good thing. We all know how stressful waiting can be.
I love your hair!! I just may have to print it and get my hair cut the exact.same.way. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And since I live 3000 miles away I probably won't run into you somewhere and be all embarrassed.
Awesome. And if you're like me, you're split in what you want for an outcome: If he's accepted into their program, that's great, because he'll get the help he needs. If he's not accepted, that's great, because it means he doesn't need it. We went through that with our son and physical therapy. Our one-year eval is coming up next week, so we're having the same mixed feelings.
I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but that's one of those haircuts that if it were me, I'd be smackin' myself for not having YEARS ago. You look beautiful. NOT that you looked bad before, but when you get one that's SO right, you know? Am I just digging a hole here? LOVE IT.
Continued good thoughts for Noah. I'm happy to hear you're getting in soon for an appointment so if there is intervening to be had, it's about as quick as possible. He's so smart and lovely; they probably just want to get their hands on him ASAP!
Love the new hair, super cute. Jason is right, Noah is going to be just fine. I just need to know when he got SO big! August 8th is my birfday so I'll use my wish that you guys have a great first appointment!
SO glad they can come earlier than expected! You know you can call me any time!!! :)
I'm happy for you - for your perspective and the fact that you got the call. I know losing words can be a "red flag" in some cases, but sometimes, that just happens too. Hell, I lose words sometimes, and so do my kids if we don't have exposure to them for a while. neither of them remembered "snowman" the other day, for example, when we read a library book about them. Noah is going to be just fine (and there are more than a few ways to be "just fine").
The P.E.I.D. program really is terrific. If he has to go into it, they play and sing and spend one on one time (usually at your home) with him. He will be getting speech therapy without knowing it. He'll just think he has the perfect personal playmate.
Also, don't forget that a speech impediment is just that. A lazy tongue, underdeveloped muscles, etc. I mean, children who stutter or have lisps don't usually have memory or learning problems, just speech problems.
Let us know about the ear/hearing evaluation.(With a specialist, right?) The free programs confirmed that yes, my son had a speech impediment, but weren't extensive enough to find the source of the problem - his hearing. The otologist could tell within minutes of us sitting in that soundproof booth.
The hair looks great. Hang in there with your son. The most important things is love, and you all have that. Linda
Amy,
Now THOSE, are some awesome bangs! And ya know what? Everything will be just fine. :)
Noah is not only going to be just fine, you are too. Maybe he's hit a developmental bump in the road. Perhaps it is more serious, but that doesn't necessarily mean "bad". It might just mean "different" and "more interesting".
Best wishes to you.
KayTar lost words, too. It was one of the key worries. Finally, once she learned sign language, it seemed to firm them up and and we haven't had the same issues again. All we can figure is that she needed to attach and action picture to the verbal sounds for her brain to really absorb it. But she has, and it is good.
I keep wanting to comment on these posts, but find I don't know where to start and everything feels inadequate. I know my wife has emailed you, so you've heard some of our family's story. We're looking at a minimum of sensory processing problems plus speech delay and a maximum of some level of autism. Both Trillian and I cried at the very beginning, but once we'd had time to let the idea sink in, we realized that he'll be fine, not exactly-like-other-children fine, but just-as-he-should-be fine. It doesn't mean we won't find the appropriate interventions for him, just that we wouldn't want him any other way.
I'm not sure if this will help but I didn't learn how to speak until I was 4 years old (come to think of it, that would make a great blog post!). I had to attend a special school and had speech therapists until I was about 8 years old. I now work in Public Relations and Marketing and I used to be a journalist. I think learning to talk later in life didn't set me back, it just made me different. And Noah will be just fine. He'll learn to speak and then you'll wish he'd just be quiet for one moment, just one!
I'm glad you guys have calmed down about it. You're doing what you know best... Love the picture!
Awwwww, punkin (I just felt the need to call you that... don't ask). I know the kiddo thing is scary as hell. He's not even my kid and I'm stressing right along with you (is that like when women who spend a lot of time together start cycling together? And no, I don't mean on bicycles).
Anyway, denial is always a good coping mechanism -- along with alcohol. Well, it's what's worked for my dysfunctional unit (i.e., FAMILY) for years, so I go with it. I do SO want to give you a hug. :)
And your hair is FAB-U-LOUS! At least you'll look good for all those appointments wherein they will assess Noah and say "What the hell are you doing here? He's FINE!" That's my wish, anyhow.
Ice cream always makes it all better.
Glad the appointment is on the horizon.
And DAMN! That kid is so adorable!
Well done you! I wish I had been as calm when we were experiencing something similar.
Best wishes
Noah has little kiddo crocs! Awesome.
I just wanted to warn you that (if things go like they're going for us), you'll have these to evaluations... then wait a month or more... waiting for your speech therapist, etc to contact you and then when he/she DOES call... they set up and appt to ... do an evaluation... but they can't fit you in for two weeks...
Wanted to say HI and that I'm hooked! I've read your blog on and off for about a year now... I never commented because it would be like a fart in a windstorm with your popularity! (Gawd, I'm using cliches my father uses. Help me!)
But reading all what you're going through with Noah, I wanted to say HI, finally, and I hope for the best possible outcome for you all. Whatever that may be. Best wishes and take care!
I wouldn't be too worried about him either. He seems (from the website) to be such a great kid! Yay for the early test date and here's hoping for only good things.
I will say what I am worried about: those crocs. Man, even on a kid as gorgeous as yours I cannot handle the ugly of the croc. Sorry lovers of them! I get it, comfort. But I can't. I'm sorry.
I know a stranger can hardly bring you confidence and comfort... but, for all that matters I think Noah is absolutely adorable and is just taking his time!
It only spoke my first understandable word at 3 years of age... back then autism was not even in the books... hence, doctors simply did not worry about it... trust me, I now speak like there is no tomorrow!lol
But, in any case... there is a very famous scrapbooker called Ali Edwards whose son is an autist and she has become very knowledgeable on this subject... if you want to connect with her, this is her blog: http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/
Wishing you all the best!
Mariana
Can we talk about your haircut? Bossy wants pictures.
I have been reading your blog for several months. I have never left a comment, but feel the need to now. As I read about your journey with Noah, it takes me back 8 years, when I went through the exact same thing with my son. He talked late, lost words--your story is so similar to mine. My son is almost 10 now and I am happy to report that he is fine. Please e-mail me and I will share some of our experiences with you….
gonna be harder to fight off those bears in sandals but i'm sure he'll get it done. so cute.
I am holding good thoughts for all of you. We're so fortunate to have EI. Used to be that you had to wait until a child entered the school system to get any help. I trained as an Early Interventionist, but stayed in teaching because it's my first love. In my early years of teaching I kept wishing for something like EI to come along. ("If only we could catch these children and their parents early! What a difference it would make!")
P.S. Your haircut is beautiful! It really suits you. SO pretty.
my son, now six and perfectly normal normal normal, lost words all the time. like ALL the time. at noah's age and younger. when he was 9 months old i SWEAR to you he had 8-10 words and then poof they disappeared and he had precious few for the next i don't know how long. it was distressing. we thought somthing must be terribly wrong. the thing is in canada (where i live) they are not as apt to jump in for early intervention. there is not the same level of panic or concern. there's more of a let's wait and see with most kids because with most kids it's nothing serious and works itself out. with my son it did just that.
we grew to understand that when jacob had somthing else going on developmentally he started to slack in other areas. like if he was getting really good at physical accomplishments he would talk less or the other way around.
i really wouldn't worry if i were you. i'm sure he's fine.