My sweet boy is 11 months old! Where did the time go? I cannot believe it has been almost a year since I first kissed that sweet little face. Here is my super happy baby again posing with his "month monkey". I told you that they just keep getting cuter!
He is so precious! Just found your blog. Know that our family is thinking of you. Our daughter, Lily (2), was born with profound bilateral hearing loss and she now wears cochlear implants. She's doing great! Our son, Alexander (8 mo.), was born with moderate bilateral hearing loss and he is now wearing hearing aids. He has some catching up to do...all hearing impaired kids have a period of catch-up. You can learn more about our story at www.thewaywehear.blogspot.com. I'll be following your story and wishing the best for your sweet boy!
ReplyDeleteI've tried posting before... and failing.
ReplyDeleteYour son is adorable. I know you had posted some questions here and there and I tried to respond there too but Google seems to dislike me.
First of all... deaf and hard of hearing kids should not need to "catch up". As long as they have early access to language, they will be developmentally on target when it comes to language development and other developmental skills. My two "nephews" (not biologically related, but I call them that anyway) are both Deaf and so is their sister and they are developmentally on target (or above it, actually). Speech is a skill that can also be developed, but language (spoken and/or sign) is the most important.
And you can use ASL as well as hearing aids and cochlear implants - no problem with that and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. It doesn't delay speech - in fact having a solid language base can help them acquire spoken language faster. I see that your son has had some first words already - that's great! Like hearing kids with spoken language deaf kids with sign language their production is not always perfect. As they develop their motor skills it improves.
Have you been able to get in contact with early intervention? Local school for the deaf? They often will offer in home services as well as deaf mentors which can serve as language practice for you and a language model for your son. Local schools for the deaf often have parent infant programs (or "PIP") or family education classes as well.
The Clerc Center has a website called "Info to Go" which has some good information as well. So does Hands and Voices.
Look forward to following your journey.
Lily's Mom and Alicia:
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know you guys are following the progress of my sweet boy! I was very excited to see your comments and I welcome your guidance and advice. Starting this blog has definitely been one of our best decisions I have made thus far. I cannot express how much it means to me just to be able to connect and feel that I am not alone in all of this.