We met with Mary Camarata, SLP at the Late Talkers Foundation office in downtown Nashville, a small room and large adjoining office, both invitingly equipped with toys. Mrs. C began in the first room with some friendly chatting and moved quickly into her analysis of FMO. This appeared much like mutual play with direction on her part. She got some formal information on him, but could tell he was not so easily engaged with her tests. We moved into the office where she videotaped a sample play session with FMO. She introduced several different toys and interacted with him in play routines. At one point she sensed he wanted to play alone and left him to play while we talked more. Dr. C joined us and the four of us discussed their impressions.
Their observations were, to us, the most accurate and unbiased we have experienced from anyone before. They explained that Mrs. C was unable to achieve test results due to his lack of cooperation, but their belief is that it is detrimental to push children. They feel that children often can't comply because of a language impairment, but also won't comply as a protective measure. Applying pressure can result in more extreme protective measures and social withdrawal. Dr. and Mrs. C recommend we home-school, but keep him at school if the staff is on board with implementing an appropriate program. They praised our efforts and approach and recommended we use Milieu Language Teaching, recasting and repetition, and continue teaching him to sight read. Dr. C felt PECS is not an appropriate tool for FMO.
Dr. C determined that FMO has a severe language impairment caused by an Auditory Processing Disorder. It is somewhat like dyslexia in that he has difficulty decoding information auditorily, however, as opposed to written form.
It took a long time for this new information to sink in. It is still sinking in. Looking back at different situations and ways that FMO communicates, it makes a lot more sense in retrospect. It was a relief to hear that if not for the way we have approached FMO, he might have been far less well adjusted. Some children are so protective they live in their own little world and are often frustrated to the point of being violent or self-injurious. It is nice to finally have an answer and know that we have been on the right track. MAO and I feel we are better communicating partners with our son. We are better able to help others understand how to communicate with him as well.
Any person with a serious concern about their child's language development has my recommendation to go see the Camaratas if they are able. It gave me peace of mind and a new connection for support from the only professionals who have ever understood my son. I am very grateful to my dad and step mom for making it possible. It has felt like a long road to here. It will probably be a long road from here as well, but we are healthy, happy and working together and moving forward one step at a time.
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