Dear family and friends,
As you know, Grayson is quite challenged verbally. It is easier for him to revert to silence or one word answers. When I ask him to repeat his answer in a full sentence he is sometimes able to flesh out a short sentence. What comes easily to him, though is silence. He will point to his mouth when hungry or to the TV for viewing time. It is effective but this shortcut will only handicap him further so we don't accept it.
For the last few days I have been trying an experiment. I wondered that if he didn't have to worry about his pronunciation or intelligibility, would he more readily engage in conversation. So I play with him using only the word "blah". I use as many syllables as I need and use my exaggerated inflection and gestures to convey my meaning. The rules of play are simply that he use the same language. "Hi, Grayson" becomes "Blah, blah-blah". He answers back similarly. Sometimes it is only an echo or a counting game. He really enjoys echoing blahs back and forth. Without much effort there is a closer semblance to a balanced conversation.
Today, after breakfast, I told him (in normal words) that it was time to go upstairs and take a shower. We were sitting next to each other. I did not make a move but asked him what I needed to do. "You have to stand up", he said quite clearly to me. I nearly fell out of my seat.
Play is therapy.
Thanks be to God.
Regina
I'm so happy to read this!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is very creative, Regina. It reminds me of how we build normal roads in this world. First, the large earth moving equipment comes in and clears out the pathway, then more refined equipment moves in to smooth things out. Finally, the road is actually paved and we can drive on it. Maybe your blah-blah game is like the large earth moving equipment?? You're clearing the way for future travel on his verbal highway.
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