She was assessed the first week of Sept 2013. We went Gluten Free the third week of September for 2+ weeks then slipped up, then jumped back on track a few days later in the first or second week of Oct. So we were completely GF from Oct on. Her Progress was assessed Dec 4th. So this is what she has accomplished in 3 months.
Also, I taught preschool in every daycare I worked in, Including my own home daycare. I am not only very familiar with "normal" speech and academic averages, I have been in direct connection with many types of curriculum and preschool progress. This is why I may have sounded so perplexed about Vivians delay. It is not that I was upset or disappointed in her delayed development, it is simply that I was seeing my child through my rose colored "normal" glasses, trying to teach her all these "normal" ways and couldn't see past my own nose into her now obvious delay. I was also so exhausted from lack of sleep for years and three kids.....you know....complacent...survival....motherhood. I'm sorry I'm human. (Wink)
Now that being said, we are learning a NEW way to teach and interact with Vivi. We were trying to teach her all these things before she started the early intervention preschool and my sis-in-law (love you) started teaching Nick and I the right way to interact with and teach Vivian. So that started even before preschool.
SO without further delay........... (No pun intended) <---- bad joke I know, but sometimes all we can do is laugh.
Communication: Following directions related to spatial and descriptive concepts, Vivian will comply with two step directions, improving her auditory comprehension from the 1st to the 5th percentile.
Communication: Improving language with using approximately 4 words compared to the 2.3 per utterance as measured by SLP therapy data.
Communication: When given "who" "what" and "where" questions, Vivian has improved her reciprocal language from 0% in the first assessment to 80% in her measured answers with her therapist.
(Did you read that??)
Social / Emotional / Behavior: In frustrating situations Vivian will demonstrate 3 of the 5 strategies for coping / calming / ask for help. She has improved her ability to regulate her emotions from a reported 30% of the time to 80% of the measured opportunities in the classroom.
Social / Emotional / Behavior: When given instruction and opportunities for transition Vivian will respond with flexibility and willingness without needing assistance from 50% of the time to 80% of the measured opportunities.
Social / Emotional / Behavior: When Vivian is upset or angry she has demonstrated self calming behaviors improving her length of time she stays upset from up to 2 hours to less then 20 min. Recently she has been calm and controlled within 10 mins in the classroom.
Cognitive Development: Vivian has improved many key pre-academic concepts from identifying colors and shapes for the first time in the classroom (still working for consistency) as well as her counting and ABC memory. She is keeping attention and interacting for longer periods of time without needing prompting, from 2 min at a time, to now up to 10 min of the measured time.
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I can't describe the emotions Nick and I went through as we read this report over and over. Not only is it amazing for Vivian to know she is doing so well, it is basically a testament to what we've been watching this little girl do in front of our eyes after going Gluten Free and getting some specialized learning.
I have a 3 ¹\² yr old who started talking and reasoning and coping and SLEEPING for the FIRST time within THREE MONTHS!!
0% ---------> to 80% in 3 months!
People, Gluten is not bad. Gluten does effect SOME people. I know right now it all seems like a fad.
These numbers and what I am witnessing is not a fad. It is wonderful. Gluten is a drug to my little Vivi. It disrupts her Brain and neurology. It keeps her in the dark and personally I am so relieved we have found a way to help her step out into the light, a way she can reach her full potential, and fortunately a way we can get a little peace and "quiet".
(She is still sleeping through the night...Thank goodness)
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