Sibling view of Speech Therapy

DS1 is very aware that DS2 is receiving a lot of therapy. His view of therapy is that there are a few big people that come over regularly to play with DS2. But, I tell him, instead of just playing with DS2, they are trying to make him say words. Is he jealous? It is hard to tell, but I think a tiny little bit.

He may creep in the room to see what is going on during sessions. I'm even letting him sit in a bit if DS2 doesn't want to cooperate. This actually works well because if DS1 does what the therapist asks and gets a high-five or treat, then DS2 is more likely to do it as well. Yesterday as the therapist was leaving she gave me instructions on what sounds to work on and that she would like me to put aside a few toys in a box that DS2 is only allowed to play with during speech therapy. I said sure.

The minute the therapist was out the door, DS2 wanted to know if this box of toys would be new toys. I explained that we could use some of DS2's old baby toys. He then proceeded to pick out what should go in the box and what should be our box (a big green dish). DS2 knows I'm anxiously waiting for DS1 to talk. We talk sometimes about the importance of therapy so DS1 can play better and more with him. He seems enthusiastic about the process.

But it is hard to have your brother get so much attention. It is hard when the therapist bring a new toy with them to capture his attention, but then leave with the toy such that DS2 doesn't get to play with it. It is hard that it is cold outside so DS2 is generally in the house during the afternoon sessions. But DS2 is not daunted; he has even started telling me and the therapist which words he would like DS2 to learn.

But really, wow. Both boys are handling it well and learning the new routine. I think we'll be sailing much smoother on this front in a couple more months, but it is nice that everyone is pulling for DS1 and that he really is interested in trying to learn.

Utilizing Phone Solicitors

I had a huge break though yesterday! It makes me smile every time I think about it. But let me start with an update on DS2's speech therapy.

I let go of (fired) the first therapist provided to us. Just not a great fit. However she has been hard to shake, she's contacted me twice to see what she could have done better and I've provided her with reference books on cleft palate so she'll know more next time. Then we took the week of New Year off from speech therapy, as it was hard to find anyone over the holiday. But DS2 does love his play therapy/therapist, and she seems to do a lot of speech work with him too. Then this Monday the new therapist called. While she is young, she has more experience with cleft palette kids although only working for 5 years, is quite outgoing, and seems like she might be a good fit. Yesterday she came over to meet us and set up our schedule.

DS1 was so full of energy, that he was crazed. This is a new behavior, and frankly I don't always know how to reign him in. But essentially he had no interest in making sounds for the therapist, just kept insisting what ever toy she was holding was "mine".

Then the phone rang. I detest phone solicitation. I know folks are just doing their job, but really. And DS2 LOVES to talk on the phone. So with a lightening strike of inspiration, I picked up the phone and handed it to DS2. He said "hello", which was great for the therapist and the person on the phone. With someone talking to him, he just let it flow! He babbled away and was expressive in tone. I could hear just a touch of the person on the line saying things like, "is your mommy there? Is this Ms. Larson?"

The therapist thought it was hilarious but effective, she was able to take tons of notes on which sounds he is making and watch lip movement. In future sessions I may have to call them from my cell phone. I thought it was awesome. It is recycling at its best. DH thought it was brilliant. I always have thought that living well is the best revenge, but for now on DS2 is taking the phone solicitor calls.