Updates/ Transitions

Just to give everyone a brief overview of what Michael is diagnosed with, what he doesn't have.. and what we currently are doing to help him.

Michael is diagnosed with a Process Delay and seizure disorder from his neurologist. The good news is that he's been seizure free since age four.. so this month is 3 years seizure free.. WAHOO..
He is completely non verbal. His receptive language is working, but his ability to form words is not easy for him..because of the process delay and the apraxia.
He has Apraxia, not Autism.. although it's tricky and Autism is much more well known, it's not what he has. the link below is VERY helpful in explaining the difference.. please take a moment to look.

http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2008/05/01/what-is-the-difference-between-apraxia-and-autism/

Michael is in first grade. He has an IEP (Individualized Ed. Plan) that 'grades' him on his goals for the year instead of the standardized curriculum. He sees a speech therapist (SLP) four days a week for 30 minutes. He sees an O.T.(occupation therapist) three days a week for 30 minutes, and an P.T. (physical therapist) three days a week for 30 minutes. He's also in a special ed room (now call resource room) for two hours a day..

Basically.. he's a busy 1st grader!... but he LOVES school.. loves it! Especially the bus ride.. and of course LUNCH.

We pay for a private speech therapist once a week for an hour.
Last week Brad and I had a tough decision to make. Our policy changed and our therapist for a year was no longer in our network and our out of pocket expenses tripled... we decided to go back to his old therapist at Children's Hospital.

He does great in therapy, he listens, he wants to work and he wants to give 'high fives' and show everyone that he CAN do it! He's got some serious patience... and tenacity!