Getting Some Help

It's been an emotional couple of months with Gavin. Back in January at his 3-year appointment, his doctor mentioned that we should consider getting his speech evaluated before he turns 4. His words aren't especially clear, she said.

Yeah, we knew that. But I've always worked so hard at trying not to compare him to his sister, who started talking (clearly) at an early age and hasn't stopped since. I also knew that boys sometimes take longer on these things. I guess I also didn't want there to be anything "wrong" with him, so I kept telling myself he'd catch up soon.

Having worked with little kids with speech and physical disabilities in the past, I knew how beneficial early intervention was. A little effort when they're so young and developing goes so much further than a huge effort later in life.

I called our school district the next day and scheduled an evaluation.

We spent the month of February meeting once or twice a week with a speech pathologist. She adored Gavin and made him immediately feel comfortable. Through games, play and conversation she examined his articulation, quickly noticing habits that I wasn't even aware of.

I took Gavin in for a formal hearing test, as his therapist was concerned he might have permanent hearing loss from his multiple burst eardrums and infections during his second year. Thankfully, he scored wonderfully on the test. His hearing is fine.

By the end of March I was seated at a conference table looking at my son's proposed IEP. They suggested he attend a twice-weekly speech class with one or two other students. His teacher - a wonderful lady named Karina - would work with him on his articulation, making it easier for everyone to understand him.

Logically, I was all for this. I know how much it will help and would much rather he correct his speech now than wait until elementary school. I know many of the teachers in the building already and have spent hours and hours learning from them and helping other families' kids learn.

I didn't expect how much I would emotionally struggle with this. I know how lucky we are that all Gavin needs is a little speech help. But it still stings a little that he needs help at all. He's too young to even understand what all of this means, but I hurt for him. It hurts anytime your child struggles with something.

With the class schedules we were offered, I also eventually realized Gavin would need to ride the bus. That was the biggest hurdle emotionally for me. Imagine, me putting my 3-year-old on a little bus and sending him off with a wave! But Natalie wraps up preschool at the exact time he needs to be in his classroom, so I couldn't work out any other way. (That, and I wasn't too keen on the idea of keeping Natalie busy for half an hour twice a week while sitting on the floor outside his classroom.)

So that day at the conference table I held in all of those overprotective mom feelings and didn't hesitate for a second signing the line on his IEP that would officially start services for Gavin. The next Monday, I loaded him into the van and went into the school with him for his first class.

Today, Jason and I walked him to the bus (at the end of our driveway), watched him get buckled in by the driver, waved him goodbye and laughed at how excited he was.

I have a feeling it's all going to be fine. Just fine.