Bertrand had his evaluation at the Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism today. Dr. Peterson, their psychiatrist, confirmed that Bertrand has some autistic behavior. This led to an interesting discussion about the role CBP could play in Bertrand's development. Bertrand is not a typical toddler or even typical developmentally delayed toddler. In fact, Bertrand has much more in common with a newborn. He needs to attain more basic skills such as trunk control and fine motor development before the established CBP pre-k program could fully benefit Bertrand. "Our staff would feel too guilty to take your money." (You don't hear that often in this day and age!) But, while we were receiving this news from Dr. Peterson, Bertrand was busy working his magic on the staff of CBP. His unruly mop of curls, piercing gaze, cherub cheeks, and love of reading proved too much for them to resist. While their traditional ABA program wasn't a fit for Bertrand, the staff could see a lot of potential in him and felt that if they could work with Bertrand's current physical, occupational and speech therapists, a difference for Bertrand could be made. They put their heads together to come up with a radical departure from their current program, custom tailored to Bertrand. His will be the very first one day per week program and the focus will be on communication, sensory integration and, of course, socialization. At the end of each semester, Bertrand's goals and progress will be evaluated to see how his program needs to be adjusted.
Today was a triumphant day. :)
Hurrah, that's great, Cristina!
ReplyDeleteI never got a chance to comment on the tonic seizures and Keppra, either. I'm so glad those seem to have been controlled so quickly. We raised Jade's ratio all the way to 5:1 because of those very seizures. I hate them!
All right! Good for Bertrand! That must be so exciting. (And of course, there's the most important question - does he get to ride the bus? :))
ReplyDeleteYou may be interested to check out the Free Sound Therapy Home Programme available from Sensory Activation Solutions. Their Auditory Activation Method builds on the pioneering work of Dr. Alfred Tomatis (Tomatis method) and Dr. Guy Bérard (Auditory Integration Training) and has been specifically developed with the aim to improve sensory processing, interhemispheric integration and cognitive functioning. It has helped many children and adults with a wide range of learning and developmental difficulties, ranging from dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder to sensory processing disorders and autism. It is not a cure or medical intervention, but a structured training programme that can help alleviate some of the debilitating effects that these conditions can have on speech and physical ability, daily behaviour, emotional well-being and educational or work performance.
ReplyDeleteThere is no catch, it's absolutely free and, most importantly, often very effective. Check it out at: http://www.sascentre.com/en_free.html.
Excellent! I cannot imagine little Bertrand is already starting school! Lots of love, hugs and kisses, Titi Lili
ReplyDeleteThat is terrific news! It is amazing how much children can thrive in a school environment.
ReplyDeleteHey Cristina,
ReplyDeleteHow's everything going? How's your migraine? I hope you are feeling better. When you have time, let's catch up. I haven't heard from you in a while.
Nicole
How exciting! I can't wait to hear about his new school program!
ReplyDeleteBertrand - You have a lot of loving friends out here. We believe in you!!
xoxo,
KT
Okay, THIS is friggin' cool!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes :)
ReplyDelete