December (Weekly Speech Goal included)

11 Dec

Hi.  It is Christmas, and everything is winding down (or up, depending on which way you look at it)!

Matai finished up with Bridget (speech therapist) yesterday and we feel good to have had a term of consistent sessions and great relationship building. I value Bridget's visits because they give me a chance to sit back,watch Matai and take the time to focus on his speech and language for half an hour.  It is also so good to hear about what Bridget notices and what development she spots.  Matai has increased his language usage and comprehension in the last 6 months. 

Anyway, speech goal from now until Christmas:

SANTA!!  Not only will be working on understanding and expression of this word but we will be making a point of introducing the concept of the person!  Matai doesn't understand Christmas yet but we'll see what we can do :)

What is this blog all about?

The purpose of this blog is to allow for a shared space where the people who are working, playing, caring for and spending the most time with Matai on a day to day, week to week basis, can see and share his progress and development. 

I will document milestones, share goals and hopefully fill in some of the background of what is happening for Matai.

My hope is that you will learn some information about Matai, Down syndrome in general, get some ideas and be able to share your own ideas, stories and information about Matai as feels appropriate, along the way.

This need for a 'sharing space' has arisen because I am finding that I am often interacting with many people on a weekly basis about how Matai is progressing.  I glean many gems of wisdom from various professionals and often there are important ideas, information and experiences that I wish that other people in Matai's world could know too. Until now I am the only person that holds and facilitates all that information, and I feel that if I share it better, then a 'whole picture' of Matai's progress might help the different 'parts' be able to plan and be more focussed in their work (or play :).

Please know that there is no obligation to read here frequently. I know you are all very busy people!
I offer it as an option and hopefully a way of making your job easier.

These are the people that are currently working regularly with Matai:

Occupational Therapist - Kath Macdonald (fortnightly, Early Intervention, Southland Hospital) -
Private Speech Therapist - Bridget McArthur ( weekly, Shout Speech Language Therapy, Alexandra)
Early Intervention Teacher - Jenny Tattersfield (weekly, Ministry of Education)
Gladstone Preschool - Jacqui and her lovely crew of early childhood teachers (Monday and Wednesday mornings)


Equally important as the above professional services,  Aaron and I have two large extended families here in Invercargill who are very involved in Matai's daily life.  He is lucky enough to have 4 doting grandparents, 7 cousins that we have regular contact with, and many committed Aunts and Uncles.  He is a lucky boy! Some of these family members may also choose to read here as they are just as involved in his development.