Achieving More Potential : Advance Ability

Achieving More Potential

Dear Ruth,
I have a seven year old son who has epilepsy. We have found out that he has lesions that have caused speech delay, along with many chronic ear infections and a ruptured ear drum.
He is in the first grade now, and with the year almost over, he is finally receiving help. I am worried about him. I worry about his self esteem. He has noticed that other children can read unassisted. He struggles so much because of his speech.

I have asked his speech teacher what I can do to help. She says "We just do sounds." I asked her to elaborate but I don’t get any information. Is there anything I can do? Is it really possible for children to catch up?

S.N.

Dear S.N.,

You have done the right thing in asking his speech specialist first. You might ask to sit in on some of his sessions, if possible. Notice what they are rehearsing, and look for the items your son has learned to do pretty well. Then you can review these successes at home--especially if you can turn them into a brief game of some sort. Extra, fun practice will give him a boost.

Public schools are responsible to provide a program that is educationally appropriate--including speech and language therapy for children who meet certain guidelines. Schools are not able to provide all of the help that all children need, because sometimes these needs involve more than an appropriate education. To get the most out of your son’s potential for improvement, it is possible that you will need to go outside of the school system for additional help.

Universities, clinics and private practices are resources. Ask your physician, or call ASHA at 1.800.498.2071. Choose a speech/language pathologist willing to empower you with specific things you can do to participate fully in his program.

Ruth Alice Jurey, M.S., C.C.C.
Speech/Language Pathologist