On Friday, I was really happy because an SLP from Cincinnati came to visit NPH for the day! I had no idea until it was actually happening (of course, because of NPH disorganization). But I’m super happy that it did! She worked with me with a few kids and was extremely helpful.
But, I’m writing this entry because of what happened in the afternoon. We went to work with Toni and José Luis, the brothers (see previous entry for more info about them). Unfortunately, I hadn’t worked with either one in three weeks because I went on vacation and then was sick.
Before, Toni and I had been working on the /m/ sound. He could say it in isolation. I wanted him to say /ma/. He could say /m/ and /a/, but couldn’t put the two sounds together. So, I had him divide the syllable and first say /m/ followed by /a/. We practiced countless times and he couldn’t put the two sounds together to say /ma/.
On Friday, he suddenly started saying /ma/. “Ma! Ma! Ma!” CORRECTLY, repeatedly!!!!!! I was ecstatic. Then, he was able to say Toni correctly! Before he could only say To. And he was able to pronounce syllables that begin with /f/ as well. It was a HUGE breakthrough! I was bewildered because we hadn’t worked in three weeks. Sometimes the lightbulb just goes on. Honestly, this is my proudest moment so far this year. When I first came in July, Toni and José were almost non-verbal. Now they know some sounds and signs!!!!!
The cutest part was when Toni tried to teach José how to pronounce sounds correctly. He got right in his face and emphasized the sounds. So adorable.
I’M SOOOOOO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!!!!!!!! That's so exciting Bridgita! It's always so great when one of your clients finally starts to achieve some success in their goals! Especially after working on it for such a long time! Sounds like you are doing a great job and making a big impact in the lives of each of the children you're working with. I'm so proud of you!
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