A few weeks ago, I had to complete paperwork for Cody. It was a psychological evaluation for school to prepare for his Kindergarten IEP. (The “K” word still taste bitter on my tongue. I’m not ready for my baby to go to Kinder!!!)
As I was completing this form, something occurred to me that I had not realized before.
A lot of the questions were about communication and how he communicates at home and with friends. Cody is great at communicating his wants and needs to us and when he plays with his friends, they all seem to understand each other.
The one question that stopped me and made me think was - Can your child sing an entire song?
Yes, Cody can. He may not enunciate the words to their exact sound, but he knows the tune, note for the word and tempo of all the words. He may not sing the song like a “typical” child, but he still sings it.
That question made me realized that although Cody does not have the vocabulary of typical 4 year old, he has minimal issues with relaying his wants, needs, emotions, and personality. Those around him most understand his communication – the mix of words, sign language and physical direction/communication.
The other thing it made me realize is that when at school, Cody and his friends easily communicate with each other. A number of them have similar speech levels, but yet they understand each other. I have watched them have a complete conversation, though, majority of it was babble. BUT somehow, they laughed at what seemed just the right time, asked “what?” to prompt the other to repeat their comment, and ended their conversations appropriately.
It is easy to assume that children that cannot speak actual words cannot communicate, but as a parent of a little one that we affectionately call “mini mafia boss” at home because of his way of demanding and commanding when he wants things, I am here to tell you that although children may be delayed in speech and it is difficult for those unfamiliar with them to understand them, they can be perfectly capable of communicating. Take the time to observe them and you will soon see that their parents, family, friends, teachers and peers can easily identify what a gesture, a sign, or expression means.
My realization is that words are not the only thing needed to be able to “speak”. Yet another aha moment.
1 comment:
I really like this post and I can hardly wait for the day my own son starts to communicate to those around him. I know what he wants, just waiting for the when everyone knows... or most. :)
Bobbie
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