A Mother's Worry

So. Full disclosure, buddy. Two weeks ago, we had you tested by the state's early intervention program. You see, I've been concerned about your speech or your lack of speech, for several months. In my opinion, you don't talk as much as other children around your age. You will repeat just about anything I ask you to (if you want to) but you don't spontaneously say things. You rarely talk to strangers at all, but you'll talk to Daddy or I. Daddy and I finally decided to contact the program for an evaluation. As we see it, we're either catching a problem early or proving I have been worrying over nothing.

We met with your case manager, signed some paperwork, and a nice girl came out to the house to test you. It was a long test for you and I know it was difficult. When she'd ask you to do things, you would say, "No, no, no!" You very, very rarely tell Daddy or I know so I found that encouraging. As a teacher, I have some issues with how she administered the test but at the end of the day she told me that your expressive AND receptive language were both below level. She didn't say how much below level...we'll find that out when your case manager comes back.

She also said she always recommends an evaluation with a pediatric neurologist in order to rule out any neurological problems.

That's where we stand right now. We've been patiently, impatiently waiting for our follow up meeting with your case manager to find out how and where we proceed.

 We love you, buddy. We love you so very much.