Graham had his last speech session today. I am so proud of him. He has really come a long way!
We were first referred to ECI when Graham was 15 months old. He was not saying any words or very many sounds, and not copying us at all. Our case worker, Kindy, has been such a blessing right from her very first visit. She was kind, understanding, and helpful. A whole lot of testing showed us that Graham was delayed in several areas, and qualified for speech therapy.
His first therapist was a woman named Katherine who we really liked, but after a few months she left ECI. Graham was then placed with Lori. She started coming to our house for an hour once a week, and Graham just fell in love with her. Lori has been helpful for us in so many ways. She is always encouraging us that Graham is making excellent progress and that she's very impressed and proud. She also gives me lots of pointers on how to work with Graham on his different speech issues.
When Graham had his next evaluation about 6 months ago, he barely qualified to continue receiving services (I was really glad that he did though, because I wanted him to be able to keep having speech until he turned 3). He literally talks all day long, and is ahead in many areas! ECI is only for kids under 3. If we were going to be staying here (which we aren't) and if he continued to need speech (which he doesn't) we would begin receiving services at John T. White Elementary School.
I'm so thankful that this early intervention program was available for us. As a former Head Start and Pre-K teacher, I am fully aware of how important early intervention is! I wish more people would take advantage of it.
Here is Graham with Lori (left) and Kindy (right). He wasn't really in a "picture mood." Thank you ladies, we love you!!!
His first therapist was a woman named Katherine who we really liked, but after a few months she left ECI. Graham was then placed with Lori. She started coming to our house for an hour once a week, and Graham just fell in love with her. Lori has been helpful for us in so many ways. She is always encouraging us that Graham is making excellent progress and that she's very impressed and proud. She also gives me lots of pointers on how to work with Graham on his different speech issues.
When Graham had his next evaluation about 6 months ago, he barely qualified to continue receiving services (I was really glad that he did though, because I wanted him to be able to keep having speech until he turned 3). He literally talks all day long, and is ahead in many areas! ECI is only for kids under 3. If we were going to be staying here (which we aren't) and if he continued to need speech (which he doesn't) we would begin receiving services at John T. White Elementary School.
I'm so thankful that this early intervention program was available for us. As a former Head Start and Pre-K teacher, I am fully aware of how important early intervention is! I wish more people would take advantage of it.
Here is Graham with Lori (left) and Kindy (right). He wasn't really in a "picture mood." Thank you ladies, we love you!!!
Hi Graham! I'm so impressed with your mom's blog! It made me happy to take a look and see this wonderful photo and so many other cute pictures of you and Molly. It has been a great joy to watch you grow and change and to hear what you have to say. I'm so proud of you, and I feel blessed to know you. Hugs to you and your family. Lots of love from Lori.
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