I seem to be able to do the job of an O.T and Speech Therapist without four years of training.

Zack's private speech therapist came round to see him at the weekend for another reassessment. He still likes her. She brought some puppet toys to show him. You should have seen him. He was lying on his back and went all still and quiet watching the toys. Then she showed him some crinkly silver paper which he tried to grab several times. The upshot of all this was that she noticed how much quicker his reaction to things like his toys was, and how now we need to push him to understand how objects are here one minute and gone the next. So there was lots of showing a toy and then hiding it. Then he got tired and did  a few show off yawns to get out of his therapy but all in all it was a good session.


I went to visit the O.T at the child development centre. Not the O.T that comes and brings Zack equipment for the home the other O.T whose role I am still unsure about. 


After telling her all about Zack and how he has no sensory integration problems (ie. He doesn't get freaked out by new textures, noises etc.) She told me how brilliant I was doing. Yes, well thanks, I seem to be able to do the job of an O.T and Speech Therapist without four years of training. I questioned their role and what they did for children and oh apparently they offer advice about sensory problems and also when the child goes to nursery they look at what equipment they need. Hmmmmmm. I see. Really. Then I just carry on doing what I am doing without any help. 


I then asked at what age do they normally see children. Oh, well that depends on the referral but they very rarely see children from birth it's usually when they get to the age of two. Oh for the love of God. (RANT ALERT) Surely parents need help from the beginning, they shouldn't have to roam around in the dark working it all out for themselves, researching information about their child's condition, reading books about how to help their child. Yet it seems that way. I think (and I am not blowing my own trumpet) that if it wasn't for me bringing the world to Zack we wouldn't have gotten where we are today. The only group that have been brilliant in their support, help and ideas has been the vision team. Everyone else needs to learn from them, if they did Warrington would have an amazing support service.


At the meeting I also asked about help with toilet training. Guess what, they didn't really know how to approach this and will speak to the specialist nurse. I was told that usually it just happens when the child is ready and you can talk to them about it. Yeah, okay, I'll ask Zack if he's ready!! I said that I know there are systems out there that can help children such as Zack and I am not going to have presumptions made about what he can and can't do just because he has profound needs. The way I see it is that unless you try you won't know. And it is this conclusion that I have now reached that I am no longer going to accept doctors, therapists or whoever suggesting that just because a child has severe disabilities means they won't ever do A, B, or C. They may not, but you should never not try. Why should we fail before we have even begun. Besides I know deep down that Zack is way brighter than people give him credit for and even if we don't do all the things that I might like him to try and achieve at least we've tried. And we will never give up. Both too stubborn for that.


Oh as a footnote. Last night he was in bed for 8.30pm and slept through, ahahahahahahahahah!!! I was so excited I didn't know what to do. So I annoyed Dan who told me to be quiet so he could enjoy his quiet time. Tonight he was in bed by 8.15pm, fingers crossed he sleeps through again. Zack that is not Dan, who is enjoying yet more quiet time.