Blog Comments

All the best and congratulations, Pussnboots

Well, thanks everyone. I'm going to post my own blog on this. Stop by.

what a wonderful story.

Really nice post.

A-h-h-h. I *remember* it well. And thank you, pussnboots and Virgil for sharing it with us. It has been a fun journey.

Have a happy day!

*thumbs up*

And no doubt you have blessed his life, as well. With so much love, that only a parent knows how. He is truly a beautiful boy, with an infectious smile. Given to the two dearest people. He couldn't ask for more.
xo

Yes, we're relieved. Matthew is pretty much on target. At least we now know from experts. Thanks all.

That's great news pussnboots. You must be so relieved.

That is great news. So happy for all of you. How 'bout we see more photos of cutie pie Matthew? I always look forward to those. Have you taken any more videos? Those would be so much fun to see.

My mother adopted a child from China 12 years ago. She was 2 when they brought her home. She had speech issues, but a perfectly normal IQ.

That is wonderful news, pussnboots. I'm glad those particular concerns have been put to rest.

Our concerns have been put to rest. Not only doesn't Matthew qualify for EI, he doesn't even need it!!!

Seems like a completely reasonable and responsible thing to do, good for you two.

For those interested, this is the website for New York City Early Intervention program:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/ear...earlyint.shtml

I love EI. It makes a huge difference in the lives of those children who need it. I'm doubtful that Matthew does but I think you are right to check. I know you have his best interest in mind. I'll tell you- having parents that are concerned makes Matthew one lucky boy. I see too many kids that have delays (some pretty bad) simply because they were not interacted with as babies or toddlers. Of course there are also those who are delayed for other reasons, but many parents are just not concerned about their child's development. Maybe that's more of a regional problem. Things are a little different here in the back woods of the universe

I believe that Einstein didn't talk until he was about 4 or thereabouts. I might just be making that up - but, if true, then "delayed" doesn't necessarily mean "not going to become the next greatest physicist in the world."

@Janine. It's important not to expose a child to too many doctors, elsewise they start to feel "different" and thus alienated. It's a parent's job to be concerned, but there is a such thing as too much concern. They call it "helicopter-parenting," and it doesn't do any great service to a childs development. Ironic, isn't it?

Growing up with a mentally (and physically) disabled brother I understand how stressful it can be. I imagine being a parent is, in many respects, even more stressful. At any rate, I hope everything will prove OK.

It sounds like you don't have much to lose -- as has been observed here by several people. Hope the evaluation goes well and that they say that Matthew is fine and doesn't need any help -- personally, the less doctors, specialists, speech paths, OTs, PTs, counselors. . . . the better off everyone is.

Fifth: you are absolutely correct in your assessment of what early intervention is. I should point out that even though he was spoken to in russian the first year of his life, I don't think the switch to English is the problem. It's more of him articulating his needs and such.

I will let you know how it turns out.

I've never heard of early intervention - it sounds like a process to identify and address learning difficulties or development needs, is that right? If so, it sounds like a sensible course of action. You'll probably find that he is developing perfectly well but it might well give you some pointers as to how you can augment his development or address any issues arising out of the change in language. It's a bit of a specialist area, I don't think you can compare general experience to Matthew's experience. I'm not sure how I'd handle it if it were me, but I think you're right to put Matthew's needs first. I'd imagine that having been exposed to one language, to be plunged into another without any cross over point must be terribly confusing especially at an age where they start to develop their language skills. So if I was in a similar situation and such services were available and to the benefit of my child, I'm sure I'd want to do the same thing. Like Virgil said, I can't see how any of the outcomes to this can be negative. Either Matthew is fine and you have nothing to worry about, or Matthew needs a bit of help and they will help you to give him that extra help.

And you prove, yet again, what a diligent and caring set of parents you are, and how much you want the best for him no matter what's involved. Matthew is a lucky boy, I hope he appreciates you when he's older

Will you let us know how it all turns out?