In praise of a boy
At the age of two he couldn’t say anything more than “ma-ee” and “no.” Now if Seth is in a room? There’s a rarely a silent moment.
He used to have a difficult time coordinating his upper and lower body while running. His arms and shoulders would droop while his little legs moved. Now he’s one of the fastest kids on his soccer team and in his second grade class.
He used to be terrified of the water. Now he swims like a fish.
He used to be scared of riding his bike, even with training wheels. Now he can easily maneuver on the tricky, wooded bike paths by our house.
He used to rarely sleep through the night. He’d often awaken and scream. Calming him down was very difficult. Now he sleeps peacefully and soundly every night.
He used to have problems writing, drawing, and picking up small objects. His fine motor skills were very weak. Now he connects the tiniest Lego pieces together to create his own masterpieces.
He used to only eat about four different foods. (He even hated pizza.) Now he eats broccoli, green peppers, green beans, potstickers, tempura and various Mexican food.
He used to require almost constant interaction. Now he’ll lose himself in his Lego creations for almost an hour at a time.
He used to need special help with reading. Now he reads effortlessly and is ahead of where he should be.
He was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (or Sensory Processing Disorder) and Verbal Apraxia five years ago. He was diagnosed with ADHD not quite two years ago. Thanks to some wonderful people who have helped him throughout the years (speech therapist, occupational therapist, teachers, counselors, neurologist, etc,.) he’s persevered and flourished. (It truly does take a village.) He still has a few issues but overall, he’s working hard. He’s a fighter. And a sweet, snuggly, silly, vivacious one at that.
If you’re a parent who’s child has been diagnosed with any of these issues, please know that while there is alot of work in store for you, watching your child progress is one of the sweetest experiences there is. There is hope. And there is help.
Tags: adhd, apraxia of speech, sensory integration dysfunction, sensory processing disorder, verbal apraxia
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By Kathy G, October 29, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
LOVE the picture!
By Kat, October 29, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
He sounds like a very smart and determined little man.
By Hip Mom's Guide, October 29, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
What a blessing! And what a cutie…bra and all.
By Christine, October 29, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
What a great story…my nephew had those sensory issues as a toddler. It was a nightmare. Thank God we have the village to raise the children hugh!?
By Kara, October 30, 2009 @ 12:55 am
priceless picture
By Kelli, October 30, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Very sweet post and the picture is hysterical! Love it.
By Farrell, November 1, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
I want to know how you got him to eat!
By Liz@thisfullhouse, November 4, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Oh my gosh, how Seth has grown (in height, I mean) thanks for sharing his smile!
By Mobilt bredbånd, February 16, 2010 @ 6:38 am
Seth seems like a real smart kid. Im sure hes gona be a great success one day. Picture is cute BTW.