hide-n-(sensory)-seeking

"How many signs do you think she knows now? A couple dozen?"   A good friend asked when we finally were able to get together after several months of crazy summertime life.   "Probably close to two hundred, if not more, actually."   Wow! Even I am astounded by her amazing capacity to see and remember so many signs. Even when she can't yet fully perform them.   Long before she lost her spoken words, I had taught her several basic signs. More, please, eat, all done.   Right about the time that it was clear that her words were not making their way back of their own accord just yet, my sister loaned us a baby sign language video.   It quickly became Kit's favorite, and though it took her several weeks to start to use the signs herself, when we used them, she clearly understood and would smile in agreement, or shake her head if it was not to her liking.   To my grateful surprise, our local library also had both seasons of...

"More."   This is the first sign I have taught all my children, including ones who weren't mine, but spent time in my care.   This sign is a priceless tool to a baby. It is one of the most powerful gifts a parent or caregiver can bestow. Especially, since babies develop control of thier hands much earlier than the numerous muscles required for speech. But their minds develop even earlier! They can understand even sooner.   That one little word lays a foundation for back and forth conversation. Reduces both the child's as well as the caregiver's frustration. And it teaches the child that there is a way to communicate that allows him/her to remain more in control emotionally. This is very important because no one really likes to feel out of control.   °°°   Have you ever lost your voice? Did it make you feel somewhat insecure? Or even occasionally panicky?   Likely, you were able to make your needs known through writing, texting, or ...

Welcome to Wordy Wednesday   Today's subject:   SPEECH DELAYS   Kevin is a busy, healthy 2 year old. His platinum blond hair reflects the sunshine he exudes from his happy smile. Nevertheless, his parents worry about him. They worry because at two, Kevin only pronounces one vowel sound and 4-5 consonants. Kevin has a speech delay.   The more research that I have been doing on SPD and related conditions, the more I have become aware of how prevalent speech delays are. There are several different kinds of speech delays (see videos below).    Some may be related to hearing problems. Speech delays are not an uncommon coexisting problem with or even symptom of other conditions such as autism, Asperger's, Down Syndrome, and even Sensory Processing Disorder. In fact it is not uncommon for children who are found to be highly gifted to have significant speech delays as toddlers....