Ongoing Speech Therapy For Rowan

Rowan has been working hard at THERAPY FOR ME in Eden Prairie twice a week. During June, he went to speech therapy twice a week. Starting in July, we added occupational therapy. When he was assessed through the schools, he didn't qualify for any OT services, but was borderline. They thought he was having trouble with some of the fine motor items due more to his communication block. When the therapist at Therapy for Me contacted our insurance for PreApproval for therapy, she asked if we'd be interested in seeing if insurance would cover OT also. We figured we'd get him all the help we could. So once there was an opening for OT we started that also.
We now go to Eden Prairie every Monday and Thursday from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM.

During speech, they have been working on getting him to communicate with short phrases, forcing him to talk instead of screech or point to get what he wants. One phrase they have been working on is "my turn" so he is able to communicate with other kids when he wants something. He has started to use that term all the time now. We have let go of the word 'please' for now. When he would ask for something and use please, the first word would come out jumbled or not understandable. So now we just model the word of the thing he wants (Berries, Truck, Toy) and don't have him use please. Sometimes he would only say 'please' and not have to work at other words. We'll get back to please once he is able to talk more.
It is fun to see him picking up more and more words. It has become easier for us to understand what he wants and it is getting easier for Linda at daycare, now we need to work on him talking more with the other kids there.

During Occupational Therapy (OT), they have been working on motor skills. Both fine motor and balance. We have learned some fun sensory things to do with him. On of his favorites is the SQUISH game where we squish his body with a pillow. He does pretty well with fine motor, but they work with him to keep trying something instead of giving up right away if it is frustrating, or asking mommy for help, which he does a lot.

Rowan still likes to sit on his potty chair with his pants on, but every now and then he'll actually go in it!

Ian had a great time on his trip (see previous post) but also was very happy to get home. He spent several hours on the couch catching up on TV with the laptop in front of him also, catching up on his games. I think he may have gotten taller while he was away.

All for now...