"The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold cold wet day." You may know that as the beginning of 'The Cat in the Hat' by Dr. Suess. But for me? Hearing my 3 year old recite that nearly completely legibly to me, brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
At 1yr old, my son was saying "thank you," his speech and babbling above average for his age. But by age 2, almost all talking stopped. What replaced his speech was whines, groans and grunting. Along with temper tantrums that aren't uncommon among kids that age. However, they were greatly exacerbated by his frustration at being unable to advocate for himself or even ask for the simplest things. I'd been in close contact with our family doctor about my worries. She recommended Katie Bug Therapy.
Within a few days of contacting the office, my son had an appointment for an evaluation. I was able to sit in on the evaluation as well as join in to demonstrate how my son reacts at home. I was nervous, obviously. I'm not afraid to admit that I was SO SO worried that his diminished speech was all my fault. But she put both of us at ease right away. She asked what toys he preferred at home and used those type of toys to ensure his comfort and stimulation. It was all fun and easy going. But it was amazing what she was able to glean just from 30 minutes of play. She spoke with me afterwards and answered all my millions of questions and gave a few recommendations for home care. What I really found useful was the report that she typed later on. Right there in writing, all the things I'd noticed and a possible treatment plan. My son has a speech delay, but there was a plan, there was help, and I wasn't alone.
My son has been working weekly with Ms. Liz for almost a year now. At first I'd accompany him into his sessions. His time would include play, gentle encouragement, sometimes music or arts and crafts, and always a few easy pointers for things to do at home to further his progress each week. Soon enough my son would just see the building that Katie Bug is in and get very excited. He obviously loved playing and learning with Ms. Liz and started going into the sessions on his own. I'd wait in the ultra comfy waiting room, my daughter would play at the kids table or watch channel 11 on the television while we waited. And still each week Liz and I'd talk about his progress and strategize to keep him improving. She writes tips on a sheet for me to use each week.
Around April, Liz recommended my son get evaluated by their Occupational Therapist Kayla. Liz had noticed the way my sons movements were very loose, as if he's not very aware of his body and has low muscle strength. Now my son sees Kayla each week as well. They play, work on completing small tasks from start to finish, and do arts and crafts. All with the aim of building strength, coordination, and ability to follow steps. Liz and Kayla also compare notes and have even been able to co-treat him in order to best understand his needs.
Because of Liz and Kayla, as well as Marie, my son has blossomed. His speech has improved so much and continues to grow each day. His behavior has turned around so amazingly, although he still has plenty of moments just like any 3 year old, but they are much shorter and more manageable. Because of the support and encouragement they give, I've learned so much as well, which has helped me as a parent. Less stress and more flexibility has helped our entire family.
Along with Katie Bug, a great park district, and an amazing early childhood intervention program within our school district, our family doctor believes that my son may catch up to his peers in no time. It really does take a village to raise a child. I honestly can't ask for better support from Katie Bug. All I can say is thank you. read more