Zachary did have ST today, and he did start learning how to use PECS. It wasn't as bad as I thought.
To start teaching him Ms. Kristin had Zach sit at the top of the slide and he had to pick an animal off the board that he wanted her to give him. He would pick something, say a fish, she would say "oh, you want the fish" and he would have to try to say it, or nod, sign, or attempt to say yes then she would give him a fish - that he in turn got to push down the slide. Ms. Kristin is good at making games out of everything so when the fish got to the bottom her hands went in the air and she said a yippee. Zach caught on really fast and the next thing I knew he would have his hands in the air as soon as whatever object she gave him got to the bottom of the slide. He did this for a while but then she lost him so she tried something new.....him in the tire swing and using the PECS - pictures used were more, swing, all done - yeah this will take sometime - he didn't fully understand what was going on at this point.
The best part of today was Zach learning he can communicate with us in other ways. I truly think this is going to come in handy.
As Zoe said on the way to the gym tonight "Mom, it is getting really frustrating not understanding Zach - he can't even sign right anymore" as her hands went over her ears and Zach replied with a "bbbbbbbb,dadadada" and she said "See! When will he tell me something real!" It is a heartbreaking situation and one that takes a lot of explaining to a 5 year old. The good thing was when we got home she grabbed Zach's hand and told him "I'm your big sister, no matter what I'll always love you, and be here to help you" added a kiss on his forehead, then she ran away and went on with her own playing.
I love watching their love!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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2 comments:
I'm going to share a PECS story with you. Wes was completely non-verbal until we started using PECS. Within a week, he uttered his first word. At first, we had to do hand over hand. When we offered him a snack, the picture of the snack was on the cover of his PECS book and I had to take his hand, tear off the picture and have him place it in my hand. He got the idea quickly and now he uses both PECS and his words at the same time. It will come. He's still young yet but you're doing everything early with him. The brain is still pliable in learning at this young age. Let him surprise you with what he's capable of.
AWE Thank you so much Jess! What a wonderful positive story!!! I love the progress that can be made by doing things I would have never thought of....Zach used PECS for 3 days this week. I know it will all come and our SLP is great with him! Thanks for sharing - it means so much to hear!!!
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