Speech Therapy Visit

Last week we took Maddie to Texas Children's Hospital for a follow up speech evaluation. We were feeling somewhat confident that she would have a good report prior to arriving for her appointment.

The Speech Therapist talked with us briefly and we pieced together a prior medical history from what little we knew of her first 2 years. After our brief conversation it was Maddie's turn. The Speech Therapist had a book with many pictures that she showed Maddie and Maddie would in turn tell her what they were. Keith and I were quite amazed at 2 things - 1 was her ability to recognize and verbalize what she was seeing and 2nd was her actual speech. The Speech Therapist was equally as impressed. After the evaluation we received a summary of her findings and recommendations.

- Throughout the evaluation, there were only 3 times that the Speech Therapist heard bursts of air coming from Maddie's nose as she spoke. The therapist recommended a wait and see approach to this issue. She feels that this is a timing issue with the soft palate and will likely correct itself as she gets older. If not there is a surgical remedy, but I pray will do not have to go down that road.

- The speech evaluation was scored in relation to age. Maddie scored a 2.7 (2 years 7 months old). She is actually 2 years and 11 months old but the Speech Therapist stated that she was on-target and was pleased with her progress.

- Ongoing Speech Therapy was not recommended for Maddie at this time. This was great news!

- A hearing test was recommended just to make sure that no hearing issues exist. I have scheduled this for October with our local Pediatrician.

- We will follow up with the Speech Therapist in 1 year and Dr. Stahl, the surgeon in 14 months to re-evaluate any surgical needs Maddie may have as she grows and develops. We will also have an Orthodontist evaluation in 12 months as well with the Orthodontist at Texas Children's.

Another interesting fact that the Speech Therapist shared with us is that Internationally adopted children normally will be caught up on their comprehensive level after being home for 1 year. Maddie is again on target for hitting that benchmark.

This was an amazing visit and an answer to prayers! Maddie is growing and thriving. She is very bright and healthy! Praise God for small miracles!