October 2011 - 5 Days a Week

Madison's schedule just got busier, if that is even possible! She is now in therapy 5 days a week.  In addition to receiving speech services at The Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Madison began therapy at Clarke School just a couple of weeks ago.  She receives 3 30-min private speech sessions (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays) in addition to one 1-hr group session. (Fridays).  Madison's speech therapist's name is Lauren.  The goals here are no different than what they are at The Center.  We teach Madison that she needs to vocalize in order to request something, e.g., If we blow bubbles, in order to do it again, Madison needs to vocalize something, i.e., cooing.  Listening is a 4 stage process (identify, discrimination, identification & comprehension).  Right now the focus is on IDENTIFICATION.... the move from nothing to something.  You bring your hands together to clap and a sound is produced.  Recognizing this is the first stage in the auditory process to the brain.  As she gets older, the other areas will be taught.  Each session begins with a "HELLO" song, and ends with a "GOODBYE" song.  It is important to establish a sense of routine to each session.  In between we sing songs, read books and do baby exercises, i.e., tummy time.  Every Friday, Madison attends a group therapy session.  This consists of 7 other babies (similar age, all with different degrees of hearing loss) and their parents/nannys.  This is not only a great time for the babies to interact with one another, but gives Brian and I an opportunity to speak with other parents who are in the same situation as us.  So far it has served as a great support network.  It has been helpful meeting other families that have the same concerns as we do.  Brian and I plan to attend once a month with Madison.