Communication is key to any relationship. Kennedy can speak clearly to convey her wants/needs these days, and Hayes is just a baby but we are able to understand what each of his cries means. Despite not being able to make noise, Drake has always been able to communicate his likes and dislikes with us. Lately he has successfully learned to push a button for movement in his stander, and we are planning to build upon that skill. We all, his therapist and us, firmly believe that he is understanding quite a bit of what is going on around him. He is beginning to be able to have more control over his body and movements. It is up to us to be able to understand what each of his movements means. As with any new foreign language, you must decipher what is trying to be said. Today, I was simply playing a game of sorts with Drake when I realized that he was indeed communicating with me. I was counting to 3 each time before I moved his chair and I would ask him each time if he was ready. He very deliberately brought his right hand to his mouth each time I asked, "Are you ready?" It did not matter how much time I let pass between times, he would not move his hand to his mouth until I asked the question. This may seem small or even trivial to some, but to us this was and is a huge step forward with his ability to communicate with us! It also shows how he is able to understand what was/is going on around him! I can't wait to play with him again tomorrow!
Opening up more ways to communicate will not only enhance his quality of time, but it will allow move interaction and "play" between Drake and his siblings! I firmly believe we have opened a gateway into further and better communication for our family! Only God knows where this will take us and how long the process will take; however, this is an exciting discovery for our family! Hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as communication goes for our little man!
Moving around in his tomato chair!
Independence is fun for all 3 year olds!
My doctor cleared me to hold my big babies again!
Exploring his "little room"
"Mom, are you sure this is safe?!"
I am so amazed that Drake is progressing so well I know your heart jumps with joy and of course the other two are so beautiful also
ReplyDeleteYes, it does! Thank you!
DeleteYou are so right about communication being so important. My husband James has ALS and has lose his abilities of speach. He is also unable to move any apart of his body. He got a new communication device about three weeks ago . It is an Eyegaze Edge. It works with his eye movement and blinking. It has made a world of difference. We also use an ABC board of letters. I was thinking about that and wondering if working with pictures would help Drake.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about communication being so important. My husband James has ALS and has lose his abilities of speach. He is also unable to move any apart of his body. He got a new communication device about three weeks ago . It is an Eyegaze Edge. It works with his eye movement and blinking. It has made a world of difference. We also use an ABC board of letters. I was thinking about that and wondering if working with pictures would help Drake.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds amazing! I'm so happy to hear about the success your husband is having with his communication devices! We plan to continue working with his therapist to create better devices to help Drake develop. Hopefully in the future he will be ready for a communication board! That's our plan :)
DeleteAs always, I am so delighted to see how well things are going. I remember the touch and go days in the beginning and I have never stopped praying for you all. Merry Christmas.May all the blessings of the season be yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you & a very Merry Christmas full of blessings for your family as well!
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