Assisted Learning Device
My vocabulary regarding the medical and therapy world continues to expand as we become more and more entrenched in its complexities. This month I have become accustomed to what is called an “assisted learning device.” The version Z has been using looks like a thick tablet, with various settings and options for helping her in verbal communication. Basically, she pushes a button for a specific word and the tablet voices the word. Z has great finger dexterity and now understands that this is more than a computer for games, but has the power to help her be better understood. Even as she gets used to the menus and key layouts, direct speaking will always be a faster option. I’ve been assured that this will motivate her to continue growing in her own speech. Hopefully the device will also help to curb her frustration in having so much to say and only a handful of words that most people can understand. Z is making noticeable progress with her weekly speech therapy visits, as well as some added focus with me at home. Enough progress to give me hope that one day she might even reach her age-level in verbal abilities. After all, she isn’t even 4 years old, and she has only been using her mouth muscles actively for roughly 2 years. There is still a large time gap to cover, as well as the consideration that her facial structure doesn’t allow for different sounds as readily as most others. She has an uphill battle when it comes to speech, but she is as stubborn as both of her parents when it comes to being independent. She knows a lot of power comes in being understood, and she fights hard for it. At last testing, she is around an average 5 year old in much of her comprehension, but she is between 18 months and 2 years in her ability to verbalized any responses. The device Z has been practicing with stays at her therapy office, and I scheduled her this week for an evaluation to test out a few different models in search of the best match for us to have at home. This April, the day after she turns 4, Z will be evaluated by a speech pathologist and occupational therapist for her specific needs and her own device. A new chapter, a new challenge, and a new year. Let’s do this!
I am also excited for this.