Raquel's Mid-Year Review

Today we had Raquel's mid-year review. Mid-year is her halfway point to her birthday in January. Once she turns three, she moves on to different programs.

We didn't have an ABA session today because of Cari's vacation and then scheduling conflicts. Raquel had a great day - very happy, very vocal, and very content to play in her room or in Gabby's room. It was refreshing. She took a late nap and I didn't know how she'd react to, first, Janine observing speech, and second, to Ken from Regional being here for a routine session. For the most part, she did really well.

Ken & Janine arrived before Mary. Raquel went right to Janine and kind of just checked out Ken for a few minutes. She's only seen him once before - several months ago. I have to say, she warmed up to him to the point where she was giving him kisses when we were all done. I don't know what it was - I asked Mike if he thought Ken reminded Raquel of my dad - but we have no idea what she was thinking. She was very affectionate with Mary, too, but that isn't unusual.

Unfortunately, she didn't have a great speech session. Raquel was very quiet and not interested in most of the activities. She didn't even want to play ball, which is extremely rare. At one point, she was mad at Mary for talking to Janine and not playing with the wind up toys and, in a mad voice, said, "Mary!" Mary asked what she wanted, and Raquel said, "Me!!!!" They were taking turns and it was Raquel's turn to choose a toy. Mary opened the bag of wind up toys and instructed Raquel to only take one. Raquel looked at her, contemplating, then reached in and pulled out just one. Janine liked how she was listening to what Mary was saying and following instructions.

We also asked about the whole "apraxia" thing. Mary said no, that she currently treats several kids with this and that she absolutely does not see Raquel having it. Yes! Mary said that Raquel's vocabulary is showing more and more communicative speech, and with apraxia you really don't have that. She also said some other stuff, but speech can be like OT sometimes - kinda technical. I'm just glad that Mary doesn't see it. I love good news.

The mid-year review wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. I thought Ken wanted to observe speech and then discuss with Janine her progress in the new program. Not the case. We basically just talked about future plans and filled out paperwork. Once Raquel turns 3, she will no longer have the in-home therapy program we currently have. He asked a bunch of questions about what I currently invision her transitioning to, but I had to keep saying that it really depends on where we are at in January. Her progress is what is important and I can't make decisions now based on not knowing where she is going to be in another 5-6 months.

What are our options come January? She will be transferred to the school district system at that point. Depending on her condition and current therapy load, we'll have the option to put her in a public therapy facility catered to her needs (at no out-of-pocket cost because we live in California), full or part-time, or we can pay for continued in-home sessions. I told Ken that we will do whatever is best for Raquel and that I would like to have information on all programs. He said that would not be a problem. We'll know much more in a few months as to the direction she is going. She's already made some tremendous progress. Who knows where she'll be in another 6 months.

As for right now, Elizabeth and the ABA team will be reassesing her in two months. Regional will do a medical as well as another psychological assessment in 3 months, before her transition actually occurs, to determine whether or not she can be offically diagnosed. An actual diagnosis affects the on-going therapy as well.

A good day. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Enjoy the music. One of our favorite songs from Jason's album. Video isn't that great but the vocals are - especially at the end when Toca is singing. Great job guys!