Communication and Down syndrome. As with any child, the range for communication is wide. With children who have no disabilities, the range for saying their 1st word is typically 1-3 years of age. In children with DS, the range is a little wider, 1-4 years old, with some who fall before and after that range even. Jack babbles all the time and loves to babble "dada" though I am not sure he understands its meaning. Therefore, with Jack I have used sign language in hopes of giving him a way to communicate before he is able to say actual words. We use signs for momma, more, all done, eat, drink, milk, and ball. We will expand as time goes on, but for now we focus on those. Read this article for more info: Sign Language in Down Syndrome
He has been making process in communicating over the past few weeks. And just in the past few days he has been using the sign "momma"!!! I AM SO THRILLED!!!! He doesn't say the "MMM" sound very much, so the fact that he is using the sign in wonderful! I am hoping to video taping him this weekend if I can find a free hand so all of you can see his new trick!
He has also been imitating more. For instance when blowing bubbles, he will say, "B" and when rolling a ball, he is starting to say, "Baa" I am so excited and so is his speech therapist. These little steps feel so much bigger when you have been working so hard and watching him try so hard for so long.
I am so proud of you my sweet Jack. And though life is hard right now, and it's just us...I want you to know that I love you and am your #1 Fan! You and I are going to have so much fun together through the years. I can't wait to see what you do next :)
Next post - 15 month stats..we had our check-up last week and I still haven't gotten around to updating everyone.
A photo to leave you with..we attended the taste of St. Louis this past weekend with friends:
I can't wait to see the 15 mth update! Jack looks like he is doing great and the fact that he is saying "b" and "baa" at the appropriate times is amazing! You are doing a wonderful job of raising him and you are an amazing woman yourself! I'm glad you went to the Taste of St Louis this weekend and hopefully had a little fun as you certainly deserve it!
ReplyDeleteGood job, Jack!!! Isn't it wonderful when they acknowledge their mommas?!
ReplyDeleteNice progress!!! I'm still waiting for Miss Em to realize I'm the "mama"
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture of you and Jack!
That is awesome! It must be such a great feeling when he uses the momma sign. :)
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog today and wanted to share with you that we have a special "Jack" too! He was born May 28, 2010, so he's now 4-months old. I'd love for you to check out our blog! Your Jack is just adorable!!!
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