My Monkey is almost nine right now. Let's go back when he was 3 years old. He just finished Sooner Start. Sooner Start was a great resource for us to get us started on the therapy my boy needed. Sooner Start suggested Monkey to go to a 3 years old program. It was a special needs class at one of our local schools.
At first, we were not ready to let go of him to go to school. How could I do this since he could not speak? How could he have his needs met if he did not talk? I had to put my trust in the teachers who specialized with children with special needs. I prayed to God for the strength to let my boy go to school. He went to school three times a week for two hours a day. I was so nervous, I never went home. I stayed out so I could get to the school sooner in case my boy needed me. We started during the middle of the school year so this was a great way to get our feet wet. Monkey always enjoyed going to school and it did him well.
Since he was nine months old, we were involved with the local MOMS Club. I met wonderful friends, but most importantly it gave Monkey tons of social practice. I stayed by him so I could teach him social skills and cue him what to do. It wasn't easy. I believe his experienced with the MOMS Club really prepared him to go to school. We went to weekly playdates and activities. I always kept him socially involved so he could practice our role playing. This was just as important as his therapies. The therapists suspected Monkey to be on the Autism spectrum, but could not say for sure without proper testing. Sure we were scared, but we continued to fight his challenges.
The next following school year Monkey went to the 3 year old program again because he was not 4 years old yet. This time Monkey started school with five speaking words. We were overjoyed the first time I heard his voice. He said Momo for mommy and Daddy. He could also say ball, drink and ungy for hungry. A few signs in sign language helped him too. His voice was so low and raspy. The doctor said it was because his vocal chords had been damage when he had Acid Reflux as a baby.
Since he was two years old, Monkey went to occupational therapy and speech therapy. I was sure to practice any exercises at home that the therapists suggested.
Next up! The summer before Monkey started the 4 year old program was a huge blessing. We were referred to a speech pathologist. She was an angel sent from God. Also, Monkey had an explosion of verbal growth the summer of 2008!
Related Reads
Monkey: Please Baby Look at Me
Monkey: Working Hard for Our Baby
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