For any parent who has ever struggled to get your child help in school....you can probably identify with the video posted below.
I sure can.
At age 3.6, Cooper still couldn't say his name (or much else for that matter). Diagnosed with apraxia, Cooper's original school IEP (Individualized Education Plan) only allotted for 10 minutes of speech a week at school. 10 minutes! And the kid had a medical diagnoses that detailed a neurological disorder.
How could the district only give him 10 minutes of speech a week?
The IEP meeting that followed went something like this...
2 Years later and I wish I could say I was victorious in taking on the school district. I wasn't. Cooper's now getting a lousy 15 minutes of speech a week in school. As for his school speech therapist? Well, I can't even get her to reply to an email, let alone show up for a parent-teacher conference. And....since we don't have money to hire a lawyer, we put what money we do have towards private speech therapy. To make peace within myself, I decided to concentrate on the positive qualities of the district...like the amazing teachers who go above and beyond to help kids who need a little more of it. While I am immensely disappointed in the therapy options overall, I am oozing with gratitude for the actual teachers who have spent countless hours working on things that the speech therapist should have spearheaded.
Sincerely,
Cooper's Mom
PS...Cooper did eventually learn to say his name! To learn more about his apraxia diagnoses and ongoing recovery - just click on the "verbal apraxia" link on the left side of this blog. Thanks for caring :)
Hi! I found your blog after I was doing my daily research on Apraxia! My son is 3 1/2 and has verbal apraxia as well. He has been on Nordic Naturals Complete Omega 369 and gets 1 teaspoon per day. I was wondering how much your son gets and what fish oils you found to be useful. Landon is in PROMPT therapy as well. We have seen great strides in the past 5 months since we started there. I'm so happy for your sons progress...I know the hurt and challenges that you and him have faced!
Posted by: Samantha | January 09, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Gretchen, as a teacher is hurts me to know what you guys have gone through, and are still going through! Cooper is so lucky to have parents who are willing to fight, and to sacrifice, so that he gets what he needs. Love you!
Posted by: Erica | January 12, 2011 at 01:08 PM
Gretchen, you are an amazing mother! I pray for at least half of the courage and passion you have in dealing with the challenges you are faced. Cooper is doing great! He's so well adjusted and talking more and more-- that is a true testament of your love and devotion to your child.
God bless you and Coop! I know he will continue to meet milestones and surpass them because of the love and support he gets from the family.
GO TEAM WALSH!
xoxox
~tia gomez
Posted by: Gomez | January 13, 2011 at 09:29 AM
Oh my gosh I laughed out loud watching this video. I was researching apraxia as my son's speech therapist says he might have it. I am a teacher and I know that there are ways to challenge the school district if they are not meeting your child's needs. You do not have to sign an IEP if you do not agree with it. You should ask for the parent rights handbook. I get so frustrated with the SPED system. Don't give up, and I like that you are focusing on the positive. That is important.
Posted by: shayray | January 30, 2011 at 11:19 PM
I feel your pain. We are also struggling with our school district to give our daughter the appropriate therapy. Stay positive!
Posted by: Laura | May 16, 2011 at 10:00 PM