• Special Needs

    Speech and Language Cards and Tips

    Lately I’ve gotten a lot of comments and questions about Lily’s speech and communication, and what we have done over the years to help her. While she isn’t keeping up with her typical peers in speech and language, we have seen great progress lately. I think it’s a combination of everything we’ve done over the years, beginning from when she was just an infant. I believe it’s all connected, and you can’t necessarily talk about speech without talking about diet and supplements or the gross motor piece, like crawling and running. However, to go into absolutely everything would make this post way too long. I’ll try to share in more…

  • Special Needs

    Lily’s Therapy Program and a Checklist

    The majority of Lily’s therapy is an at-home Neurodevelopmental (ND) program through ICAN. Other programs are NACD and IAHP. Some suggested reading to learn more are How to Teach Your Baby To Read, Fit Baby, Smart Baby, or any of the Doman books. We chose ICAN because there was a therapist who travels to our area. I also appreciate that it’s a Christian organization. A couple times a year we meet with our therapist so that she can evaluate Lily’s progress and modify our program. Throughout the months between evaluations we are in communication via email or telephone, where we discuss progress and any changes that might need to be…

  • Special Needs,  Thoughts

    For the Casual “R” Word User…

    There are those who use the word in a truly hurtful fashion, such as bullies on playgrounds. These individuals fully intend to hurt those at whom the “R” word is thrown. This note is not for them. This is for the casual user of the word. You may feel it’s not really offensive because you are using it in a self-deprecating or humorous manner. You’re wrong. It is offensive to say “I’m so retarded” when you do something like make a typo on Facebook or miss your turn while driving or forget someone’s birthday. Obviously you are not actually retarded. Therefore the question is, what ARE you saying? Your careless…