Getting Help

We have finally reached the point where we are saying "I think we have a problem".

Anna's speech is delayed. Really delayed. She is two years old and has three or four words that she can say clearly. There are a few other words that we can understand, but they barely qualify as a word.

Last winter, we called in Early Intervention. It's a free service that comes to your home and assesses your child. Each state is different, but based on certain criteria your child can qualify for all sorts of therapy. We had someone come to the home once a month, and prior to moving, she told us "Good luck! I can tell she is going to start talking anyday!" Well, that was five months ago, and we have made little progress.

So we are starting again in Tennessee, and I'm looking forward to the help. If you come home and find yourself in a similar situation, do not hesitate to get involved with Early Intervention. Your MD may suggest it, and if not, don't be afraid to ask. They have been so easy to work with. One phone call and the ball gets rolling. No complicated referrals, forms, etc.

I also need to share that this is very frustrating for not only Anna, but for me as well. We do the point and scream/whine dance everyday . I find myself wanting to scream "JUST SAY IT! PLEASE! FOR THE LOVE OF PETE! JUST SAY SOMETHING!" Ahhh . . . It felt better just typing that!

Delays were something I read about prior to our adoption, but I figured reading, talking with her, etc., would be all that we would need. Wrong. I'm not saying this to depress or discourage you, but rather to encourage you to keep an open mind. If you think you could use some assistance, go for it. What can it hurt!?!?