We finally have a true diagnosis

First I have to thank everyone here for so much support and answering all the questions that I have with my ds. He was first diagnosised with a severe speech delay and started attending a specialized language preschool. He has been getting speech services and started to make more sounds and occassional words. After him being there for a whole year and seeing some progress, but it still being inconsistent we took him to a specialicist. His original therapists always thought he showed signs of certain things, but felt he was too young to be diagnosised. Now that he almost 4 and after many evaulations / testing / observations they have determined he has a motor planning disorder / CAS (childhood apraxia of speech). He also shows some minor issues with sensory and low muscle tone. I was told this sometimes goes hand in hand with CAS.

As much as I'm shocked I am not surprised since it was always a question whether or not he had this...I'm happy to finally know why he was having so much trouble with his words and excited to really get the target therapy he needs to help him. He'll be moving from 2 - 3 times a week for speech PLUS an additional private therapy session (possibly not covered by insurance) and starting O/T services 2x a week.

If anyone has any experiences they can pass on I'd greatly appreciate it in addition to any reading that I can do to better prepare myself for what to expect.

Message edited 5/31/2009 7:55:49 AM.

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

I'm glad you have some answers

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

awww it's a good thing they can finally know what to help with!!! good luck!!!

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

HI just wanted to offer a very helpful website you might already know of it in you journey to a diagnosis but figure i'd throw it out there in case:
www.apraxia-kids.org
Very informative for both professionals and parents they even have a library of resources for you. good luck!

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

Thank you so much. The wesit is wonderful. That is where I found the pathologist that we were able to get an evaluation with.

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

I'm glad you got answers and Thank You so much for posting this!
My DS is recieving speech and I think I may bring this up to his therapist.
She has mentioned the "motor planning" and what the website that was posted decribed I was like "Whooaa"...it all sounds a bit familiar.
My DS is almost 2 and 1/2 and still only has a few words...He is GREAT at making the vowel sounds and will also be starting OT through his school...
Hmmmm Thank You...I think we **may** be onto something here...

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

Glad I could be of service...LOL

I know the therapist kept telling me to do a wait and see approach....saying that apraxia is such a difficult thing to diagnosis...etc. We gave it some time and then I knew it was time to find someone that is well versed with diagnosising children and providing therpy for them.

If you have any questions, Sharon Gretz from apraxia-kids website was great at helping me find a therapist in my area and very quick in answering my email.

I'd love to hear any updates on your little one if you find out anything.

Message edited 6/2/2009 4:43:07 PM.

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

Glad you finally know! It must be a huge relief!!

Now, he is getting the therapy that he needs, and will be making HUGE progress in no time at all!!!!!

Re: We finally have a true diagnosis

Glad you finally got some answers.