A Rant

A speech delay is not always an obvious condition.  Because of this, people find it hard to understand.  Honestly, I'd say that 50-75% of people who find out that Kevin is in therapy don't understand why or flat-out don't agree with it.  I'll give you an example.  This conversation occurred today.

Kevin told a lady "Wah!"  I explained to the lady that that's how Kevin says hi.  The lady asked if he was still in speech therapy.  When I said yes, she asked if he'd be in it for a couple more months.  I told her that he'll be in it for a few more years.

She replied that her nephew didn't talk until he was three or four years old.  When I tried to explain to her that Kevin has a special condition that he needs help to overcome, she started telling me how easy it is to spoil children, that giving them too much attention, such as therapy at such a young age, can actually harm them, instead of benefiting them.  Basically, she feels that I'm overreacting. She said, "He looks just fine!"

This is the way many people that I talk to feel about Kevin's therapy.  More often then not, people feel that all children learn at their own rate and that I have absolutely no reason for concern.  Personally, I find it hard not to take offense or feel hurt at some of the comments I hear.

I will honestly admit that I have trouble understanding all of the different conditions or delays that children can have.  For instance, when I go to speech therapy and hear other mothers talking about "sensory disorders," "food therapy," and things like that, I can't pretend that I really understand.  But what I do know is that these mothers love their children very much.  They see something in their children that may not be immediately obvious to the rest of us.  But just because at kid may be beautiful and appear to act normal, this doesn't mean that there may be an underlying issue that needs attention.  And as an outsider, we certainly don't have the right to tell other parents what's right or wrong for their kids.

There.  I've had my rant.  The good thing about ranting and raving out to cyberspace is that a computer screen just listens and doesn't interrupt!  And thanks to all of you loyal supporters out their who are encouraging us on this journey through Apraxia of Speech.