Monday, September 13, 2010

She will "talk"

Today we had a meeting with Reagan's speech therapist and a Representative from an Augmentative communication device company.  We are starting the process to find the right device for Reagan, a device that will give her a voice.  Of course, we are realistic that it will take some time for her to get used to the device and be able to use it independently.  However, the thought of her being able to make food choices, or let me know what she would like to do, brings smiles to this Mommy's face.

I think about her inability to verbally communicate often, and how difficult that would be.  She relies on me (and Wes, but mostly me since I am home with her during the day) to make every choice for her, from when and what she will eat to when she will go to sleep, to our activities throughout the day.  She can be quite verbal in letting me know when she is not pleased with my decisions and yet her giggles and smiles also make me happy to know that she likes what we are doing.  But,  this device will eventually open up so many doors for her and give her that independence that I know she must be wanting.  Heck, being a 2 year old is all about finding your independence and feeling that you can make decisions!

I hope that we find the device that will be successful and the transition painless for her and that the process to get it into our house goes smoothly!

6 comments:

  1. That's so awesome! I am excited for you and Reagan. I got your e-mail earlier and tried to respond and right as I was hitting send Emma unplugged my router and I was unable to send the message. Little booger! Anywho, what I said in the e-mail is how bizarre! It's a VERY small world after all, huh?!?! Much love! Ames

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  2. oh man. i really need to be more on the ball with this. hope you find something simply perfect!

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  3. So awesome. I can't wait to hear her communicate with us and give us her opinions...and since she's a Conroy, she's bound to be VERY opinionated!

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  4. how did you get this started so fast? thats awesome. i feel like we are going at a snails pace! but we do have an AAC person thru the district that is working with Avery and her teachers so we can eventually get there but i feel like its so far off!! way to go Dawn!

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  5. Dawn i am so excited for your whole family! Lately I have had a lot of peace with Claire and all things Rett in my life, I think because Claire does have a voice and it helps so much. I should warn you that she uses it to ask for DVD's at dinner (we have a no TV at the table policy) and to call her sister dumb. So then you have to deal with typical 4 year old stuff on top of all the Rett crap, but truly it is the greatest thing ever! I took us 14 months from when we started to look around until we had our unit, the time will fly! I can not wait to hear what she has to say!

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  6. I am soooo happy for you and Reagan! What a cool thing!! I look forward to hearing more about the process! Best Wishes!

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