A few weeks ago, I sat down with my son’s early intervention teacher for a conference. She looked at me at said, “Joshua is the perfect example of how early intervention works”

My heart soared. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes raising a child with special needs is like trying to navigate in the dark with no help. The future is so uncertain, but with a lot of faith and hope, parents cope with it one day at a time. Each comment in the positive is like a pinpoint of light in that darkness. It brings a glimmer of optimism that your child will be able to live a more “typical” life.

Early Intervention really is the key, but it seems as though it gets very little funding compared to other seemingly unnecessary programs. This year, early intervention in the state of Tennessee is getting an 8 million dollar boost thanks to Uncle Sam’s stimulus, but that seems like small change compared to the $600 million dollar convention center that they are trying to build in Nashville. They are claiming that the revenue from this convention center will give an economic boost to Middle Tennessee, but we should just overlook the fact that it is going to take at least 20 years (if that) just to break even on it.

Imagine taking that money and investing it on children. Premature infants who just 10 years ago would have died for being born too early, are coming home and need a lot of help to catch up for those missed months in the womb. Some children with Down Syndrome have nearly normal IQs thanks to early intervention and are able to function in typical classrooms, graduate high school, and have jobs that contribute to our economy instead of being forced to live in institutions or be dependent on government assistance. There is so much that can be done, but isn’t. Our state does not even have enough funds to hire new Early Intervention teachers. Nashville schools are in trouble. The family support programs are in danger of being cut, and, for some families, that is the only financial assistance that they receive. It costs at least twice as much to raise a child with special needs than a typical child. Insurance does not cover everything and many of us do not qualify for any other assistance due to income. I don’t care how much money you make, not many families can afford $1000 a month formula or 20% of a NICU stay considering that the bed alone costs $5000 a day, or some of the durable medical equipment that insurance won’t cover because it is not “medically necessary to sustain life.” Never mind that it makes life livable for both parent and child.

The point is that money is being wasted. Families need help. Children need a better education. Contact your local representatives to let them know how you feel. I can think of no better investment than in the education of our future generation. It is your money after all.

Click here to view the embedded video.

At what turned out to be Jessica’s last lesson, I asked her what rain sounded like. She actually gave this some thought before gently playing a tinkling sound on the higher notes that steadily became more insistent. I again harmonized with chords whenever I could on the electric keyboard. “How about the wind?” I asked. Jessica responded by playing a glissando up and down the keys with varying intensity. “Thunder?” That was easy. She immediately gave a few staccato bursts from the bass keys. “OK! Lets play the music for a short Spring thunder storm.” We dove in. It was wonderful. Not only was it totally free-form, it was VERY musical! All too soon, the lesson was over and Jessica’s father, who usually waited across the street at the local coffee shop but today waited across the hall in our living room, popped his head into the studio and said that it was time to go. Read More

Cases of Apraxia of Speech are on the rise.

Baby Babble or a Sign of Speech Problems.�

Click here to view the embedded video.

Below is a good video of a baby using sign language. A baby will not do the signs perfect (When our son says “Thank You” it looks like “Eat” but we know what he is saying) but this will give you an idea as to what to expect.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Education is one of the main concerns expressed by parents of special needs children. They want their children to be included in all aspects of the academic experience and not be left behind simply because they are considered “different.”

The education of a special needs child begins at birth. First and foremost, a baby is a baby, no matter what their health status is. All babies need love and attention for proper brain stimulation. Read to your baby. � Sing songs and recite nursery rhymes. But most important, give a lot of hugs, kisses, and “I love yous’.”In 2004 the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act or IDEA was passed. It basically ensures that all children, regardless of their disability have the right to a free public education including early intervention. If you think that your child might require special education, you can request that your child be evaluated by your state’s early intervention program. If your child is delayed 40% in one area or delayed 20% in two areas, he or she will qualify for services. You and the early intervention services will then create what is known as an Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. An IFSP is basically a road map that shows where your child is and where you would like them to go. The IFSP will include goals for your child to reach, what type of services will be needed in order to reach these goals (physical therapy, speech therapy, etc…), who will be providing these services, how frequently will these services be provided, and where these services will take place. The IFSP is reviewed every year to make sure that the child is on track and if services need to be added or dropped.At the age of three, the child will go through transition. Basically they will move from early intervention with an IFSP to public special education with an Individualized Education Program, or IEP. The IEP will include new goals for the child and how they will be met. The IEP is reviewed every year. Those present at the IEP meeting may include the parents, a general education teacher, a special education teacher, an administrator of the school, specialists in your child’s disability (invited by you or the school), guidance councilors, and, if you wish, � your child.

When making or reviewing your child’s IEP, it might be a good idea to bring along a little packet explaining who your child is and what you think is the best direction for your child’s education. Frequently the general education teacher and administrators at the meeting know nothing about your child. The only thing they know is that they have had their schedule interrupted to attend an IEP meeting about a child that they will probably never see in a classroom setting (the general education teacher does not have to be a teacher that your child has). Having a little booklet of information about your child gives them a story and a reason to care. You can include pictures, art work that your child has made, or even copies of their baby book pages. Let them know how wonderful your child is and how hard you are working to make sure that they are getting the best education possible.

If you ever feel that your child’s goals are not being met, you have the right to call the administrators and remind them of IEP and its goals and how you think that the problem might be fixed. Not having enough money is not an excuse that the schools can use in defense if an IEP goal is not being met. They will have to find a way.

Making sure that a special needs child has the education that they deserve is up to the parent. You are your child’s best advocate. Make sure that you know as much about your child’s condition as possible and take the time to review your child’s rights as stated in IDEA. You are your child’s best hope for a bright academic future.