"Do you wanna ...... "

I think somebody sounds like a broken record and it is not you!  The more language you develop the more I realize that I need to mix and vary what I say to you throughout the day.

Recently I have heard you very appropriately saying:
"do you wanna eat?"
"do you want juice?"
"do you wanna open?"
"do you want on?"
"do you wanna help"
"do you wanna.......?"

Umm... well, if I were you I would finally be saying "no" also!  What I must sound like to you all day! I finally sat down today and made a list of all the verbalizations you are saying these days and whether it be single words or repeating the phrases you hear me say all day long, you have well over 60 words in your vocabulary now.  On top of this, you are finally at a stage of repeating the majority of what you hear, and trying hard to request using your language.

Me, sounding like a broken record, is probably driving you insane and you are showing me that you can learn so much more.  This is also a very hard stage.  We have pushed and provided all sorts of augmentative communication for you and by no means are you ready to completely give this up. The AAC devices have allowed you to communicate your wants and needs in more specific terms such as wanting sprite versus water, to stop doing homework, that you don't want to eat my cooking, or commenting "wow" after using the bathroom.  The device allows others to understand you given your delays in articulation and it also allows you to take ownership of your language instead of waiting for someone to help you find the words.

But now, I see you growing and expanding.  I see your motivations changing and trying so hard to keep up with the world around you.  The device is still here, it is always available, but you want to be heard.  You want your own voice to be heard and you have so much to say.  I wish I could understand more then the 60 words.  I wish your friends and those we meet on the street could understand more so that you didn't need the device anymore.

There is so much progress though.  It is all there and inside of you and I know that if we can continue at this pace and let you take the lead now then it is all going to come out.  You have already demonstrated your personally and that you have the strong desire to interact with all those around you.  You have already shown us that you have a story to tell and that you will take the world by surprise one day -when you are ready.

For now though, I sit back and smile and know the secrets you hold on tight to.  I know the look in your eyes and the smirk on your face when you are pulling one over on others.  I know the glimmer of hope as you ask for "candy please" knowing you just had ten pieces but that I can't say no to your sweet little voice.  I know the excitement when you see children playing and the spark when you make a new friend.  Most importantly I know the pride and self-confidence that you get out of bed with every morning that allows you to experience it all and has helped you thrive in your life.

Keep on Truckin Baby
Love
Mom