My little munchkin man.

We’re prone to making up loving yet random and completely mismatched nicknames around here (example: sugar-booty).

I braved the sleet slicked roads to get to Judah’s school early in order to talk with his Speech Therapist regarding his sessions with her. (See: mama rant). I’m glad I waited those two extra days before seeing her because by this afternoon, I was in a calm and stable mood; Contrary to how I was feeling two days ago. I’m usually a pleaser and seem to have trouble with even the tiniest bit of confrontation (or just plain being honest if I know it has even the slightest chance of receiving a negative response).

Today I was at ease, I think because I realized (after talking with another special needs mom) that in all reality, most Speech Therapists aren’t accustomed to working with children like Judah; who don’t use any words or give any feedback in the way most children do. Most don’t really know what to do when their usual bag of tricks fail.

I know how Judah learns best, I can pick up on the slightest cue and know when to move on to something else, I understand what his eyes are saying and because of that I’m able to help him put it into “words” or signs. I wish that I could download what I know about Judah to his therapists; I wish they had the intuition I have about him because, oh my gosh, could you imagine the progress?!

Back to reality.

Here’s the conclusion: I’ve decided I’m going to set into play a more focused plan of action for Judah at home using flash cards along with signs and sounds. Also, I’m going to observe how Judah does for the next month in his Speech Therapy (not actually sit in every session, but really pay attention to his over-all countenance and progress). I’m hoping he and his therapist begin to mesh and understand each other.

The best piece of advice I’ve gotten recently is to go with your gut, regardless of anything else. My gut was saying things weren’t lining up right, but after talking today and letting the therapist know 1. Judah needs a solid routine, which means not changing his sessions around a bunch 2. If co-treating with Physical Therapy encroaches on Judah’s PT progress, we’ll stop immediately and 3. Judah still needs to get one-on-one time with her, regardless. I feel more in control of the situation and, hallelujah, my emotions!

So there.

I’ve also decided that I need to go to school to become a Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapist. So many things to do, so little time.