Little One - First Assessment

We're waiting for an important call. After almost three months of waiting, it seems like we're going to have our first appointment for her therapy. The search for a reputable therapy center has been tough. We hope we get this one.

I'm hoping to be able to write religiously about our "global delay" adventure. If I'm able to sustain the discipline and passion, I may be able to maintain this blog until she's old enough to read. I want her to know about this... every detail, every update... because it's the third battle she's bound to win. :)

First Battle - To be born

At 23, I was told that I will not be able to conceive the natural way. The OB GYN gave me a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist - for when I'm ready to have a child. We were never officially ready but eventually, we tried and tried. When I found out, at 27, that I was pregnant, I was the happiest woman alive. Little One, this was your first miracle.

Second Battle - Cleft Palate

The Little One was born without a cleft palate (roof of the tongue). She had to go through two major surgeries (at 6 mos and 9 mos) for cleft repair. This condition, before operations, made everyday life unique for her. Special bottles, sippy cups, way of feeding... She's a little big fighter.

Third Battle - Possible Global Delay

Little One has yet to speak. She's already 2 yo. She makes syllabic sounds but she has yet to say any word. She responds through sounds and actions. Below is the diagnosis of the Developmental Pediatrician who evaluated her condition.

Little One's tougher than mom. There's nothing she can't handle.

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Patient Information by history:

• concern regarding speech delay, cleft palate (s/p repaired), drooling

Patient information by observation:

• good eye contact, casting, did not always follow

Patient information by examinations:

Result of Assessment using the following tests: GRIFFITHS

Developmental Domain	Estimated Age Level
Locomotor / Gross Motor	1.4 – 1.7 y.o.
Eye – Hand Coordinator / Fine Motor	1.0 – 1.3 y.o.
Hearing and Speech / Language	11 m – 1.2 y.o.
Performance / Problem Solving	11 m – 1.2 y.o.
Practical Reasoning / Comprehension	NA
Personal – Social	1.2 – 1.5 y.o.

• behaviour (tended to refuse/ throw objects) may have unduly lowered scores too

Current Working Impression:

• To consider global developmental delay
• Need to rule out locomotor apraxia
  

Recommendations:

A) Diagnostics

· (hearing test was normal)

B) Referrals

· (for ff-up with ophthalmology for "lazy eye")

C) Therapeutics

Occupational Therapy

o Locomotor coordination

o For behavioural modification, attending skills/on task behaviour, fine motor/ ADLs/ prewriting skills/ cognitive skills/ coordination, balance and strength

o HELP Therapy Center 1655 Peñafrancia Street Santiago Village Makati, 8965195

Speech Language evaluation and therapy

o Especially in light of cleft palate, drooling, for communication skills