Jackson - Development Update
I just completed a BIG project so that now entitles me to some LJ time :-) I'm so stinkin mad that my company just days ago blocked Facebook so no Facebook at work anymore (boo!)
Jackson
He's doing good. We continue to make progress which in my eyes is what we want/need albeit slower than I'd like but I'm not complaining. I have a group meeting with all the Therapists tonight to discuss his progress and where he continues to have struggles. I feel very fortunate that I have such a strong group of caring/smart/experienced women working with us. It's actually perfect timing as I have Jackson's 2Q Progress report at school in 2 weeks.
I recently had his Speech therapist up at school for another classroom observation. My main concern with Jackson is his language. He's speaking and does have an expansive vocabulary but it's his ability to formulate longer sentences that becomes his main issue. You can actually tell he knows exactly what he wants to say so it's not a processing issue and I know his brain is working but he's not able to get the words out that form his thoughts. What usually happens is that he does this short sorta "babble" which is followed by a handful of words that finally gets out. We're fine with single words and he can label pretty much anything. He has no issue saying the entire alphabet and he can count but it's just his daily communication that's hindered.
My speech therapist is concerned with the language in the classroom (or rather lack thereof). She was not able to clearly identify the Verbal role model in the room (class of 12) which is NOT GOOD. She also explained that the teachers/assistant teachers could be doing so much more to foster/develop language not only in the classroom but peer-to-peer which is important and also not happening. The news is a bit disappointing to me. I will be discussing this "gently" during my conference with his teacher, however I'm sure she will deny such is the case so I know I'm just going to get involved in a tennis match of back and forth.
His teacher has told me Jackson will be moving classrooms come the Fall (September) which is encouraging. My issue then become what if the majority of his classmates move too? I'm going to be stuck with the same situation....with the only change being the actual classroom and teacher. Very frustrating. I'm just trying to look ahead as I just don't have time to waste here if he's not benefiting from this program.
I have started to consider other schooling options. I did call 2 other center based programs here in the city that have solid reputations. I'm scheduled to tour/meet with faculty to discuss the program(s) in the next 2 months. I have also called 2 private preschools which have come highly recommended as they're known for being able to accommodate children w/special needs. I'm a bit late in the game for private schools as most acceptance letters for Fall '09 Programs go out in March...however both are allowing me to tour as spots can and do often become available and even as late as August as changes in plans happen and I'm thinking even more-so these days due to the economic climate.
Activities:
He has regular/frequent playdates every week and they've been really working out well. It's important for Jackson to develop peer-to-peer play skills and it's really helped him with negotiating/sharing and with social skills. We've seen such nice progress. There was a time when we couldn't have anyone come to play at our apartment as he would monopolize the toys. These days he allows others to not only play with his toys, he will even go as far as allowing friends to freely play with his favorite things. We worked really long and hard on that one and it didn't come with ease but he has developed trust that he will get his toy back and we will make sure that everyone gets a turn.
Our Karate class didn't work out but we decided to do a Gym class as Jackson loves to climb and has amazing balance and is pretty sports inclined so we're doing a Gym Juniors class at NY Kids Club and so far so good.
Lastly, we have a few birthday parties coming up which he always seems to enjoy. He went to see Sesame Street Live last week as a school trip which was nice. We have the BAM Kids Film Festival in 2 weeks and I just got us tickets to see Peter Pan (Marionettes) at the Swedish Cottage in Central Park. I'm just trying to keep him busy and want to continue the exposure of new/entertaining things for his personal growth.
So that's my Jackson update!
Jackson
He's doing good. We continue to make progress which in my eyes is what we want/need albeit slower than I'd like but I'm not complaining. I have a group meeting with all the Therapists tonight to discuss his progress and where he continues to have struggles. I feel very fortunate that I have such a strong group of caring/smart/experienced women working with us. It's actually perfect timing as I have Jackson's 2Q Progress report at school in 2 weeks.
I recently had his Speech therapist up at school for another classroom observation. My main concern with Jackson is his language. He's speaking and does have an expansive vocabulary but it's his ability to formulate longer sentences that becomes his main issue. You can actually tell he knows exactly what he wants to say so it's not a processing issue and I know his brain is working but he's not able to get the words out that form his thoughts. What usually happens is that he does this short sorta "babble" which is followed by a handful of words that finally gets out. We're fine with single words and he can label pretty much anything. He has no issue saying the entire alphabet and he can count but it's just his daily communication that's hindered.
My speech therapist is concerned with the language in the classroom (or rather lack thereof). She was not able to clearly identify the Verbal role model in the room (class of 12) which is NOT GOOD. She also explained that the teachers/assistant teachers could be doing so much more to foster/develop language not only in the classroom but peer-to-peer which is important and also not happening. The news is a bit disappointing to me. I will be discussing this "gently" during my conference with his teacher, however I'm sure she will deny such is the case so I know I'm just going to get involved in a tennis match of back and forth.
His teacher has told me Jackson will be moving classrooms come the Fall (September) which is encouraging. My issue then become what if the majority of his classmates move too? I'm going to be stuck with the same situation....with the only change being the actual classroom and teacher. Very frustrating. I'm just trying to look ahead as I just don't have time to waste here if he's not benefiting from this program.
I have started to consider other schooling options. I did call 2 other center based programs here in the city that have solid reputations. I'm scheduled to tour/meet with faculty to discuss the program(s) in the next 2 months. I have also called 2 private preschools which have come highly recommended as they're known for being able to accommodate children w/special needs. I'm a bit late in the game for private schools as most acceptance letters for Fall '09 Programs go out in March...however both are allowing me to tour as spots can and do often become available and even as late as August as changes in plans happen and I'm thinking even more-so these days due to the economic climate.
Activities:
He has regular/frequent playdates every week and they've been really working out well. It's important for Jackson to develop peer-to-peer play skills and it's really helped him with negotiating/sharing and with social skills. We've seen such nice progress. There was a time when we couldn't have anyone come to play at our apartment as he would monopolize the toys. These days he allows others to not only play with his toys, he will even go as far as allowing friends to freely play with his favorite things. We worked really long and hard on that one and it didn't come with ease but he has developed trust that he will get his toy back and we will make sure that everyone gets a turn.
Our Karate class didn't work out but we decided to do a Gym class as Jackson loves to climb and has amazing balance and is pretty sports inclined so we're doing a Gym Juniors class at NY Kids Club and so far so good.
Lastly, we have a few birthday parties coming up which he always seems to enjoy. He went to see Sesame Street Live last week as a school trip which was nice. We have the BAM Kids Film Festival in 2 weeks and I just got us tickets to see Peter Pan (Marionettes) at the Swedish Cottage in Central Park. I'm just trying to keep him busy and want to continue the exposure of new/entertaining things for his personal growth.
So that's my Jackson update!