a. How does it feel to be the parent of your child?
To be Caitlyn’s parent is a wonderful yet challenging experience. When Caitlyn was just 3 years old, we realized there was something different about her. She developed her language skills at an appropriate age, but her listening skills weren’t always so great. She didn’t always respond to her name being called, she often gave a puzzled look when we talked to her (especially when we gave her directions), and she usually kept to herself and didn’t communicate too much with everyone. When family and friends came over, she was always so sweet and polite, but never outgoing. Her sweet, shy ways reminded me of myself when I was growing up, which didn’t worry us too much, but when it seemed like she wasn’t understanding what people would tell her, or when she wouldn’t respond to her name, we started to think we should look into her situation.
Her pediatrician told us about Auditory Perception Disorder, which is basically a disorder where the host does not hear things the way other people can- this explained the lack of attention to her name being called and not understanding when we told her to do simple things like "put away your toys". Caitlyn definitely had the symptoms of this disorder (the lack of listening skills, inability to understand directions, not talking as often as children her age). The doctor, however, informed us that Caitlyn couldn’t be officially diagnosed until she was 7 years old! We were so worried and didn’t know what to do because we weren’t even definite that she had this disorder! Our doctor gave us some tips on early intervention strategies to help her with her listening. We were able to find some therapy sessions that enabled her to engage in sensory activities, we did a lot of repeated speaking, and made sure we spoke directly to her and monitored if she understood. These adaptations we [her father and I, as well as our family] did have become second nature to us. Sometimes we don’t even realize that we are repeating something, or speaking in a louder voice. Modifying for Caitlyn’s disorder has never been a burden to us, and being her parent has taught me about differences and how to overcome challenges.
b. How is your child developmentally the same or different from other children at the various ages?
Caitlyn is in the 5th grade now and has grown accustomed to her hearing aid, one-on-one help, and takes advantage of the extra tools she gets to learn. The teachers in her school that she has grown up with have known her since she was in Kindergarten and, of course, they know me very well. They know that Caitlyn wants to do well and tries very hard- and they offer visuals, aides, whatever necessary so she can succeed in class. With the help she receives, she performs at the same rate as the average students in her class. Although she needs more time to process and complete assignments, she does her best to stay on track.
When she started elementary school, it was important for her father and I to be proactive in her classroom. Her teachers needed to know that she had symptoms of APD and was going through therapy sessions as early intervention. If teachers didn’t know about her disorder, she would have been falsely assumed to have ADD, Autism, or even Asperger’s. When Caitlyn turned 7, we went to an audiologist and they confirmed that she indeed had APD. We were told that if we didn’t realize it when we did, her situation would be worse. We were also informed that she could be free from the disorder completely.
In the classroom, her weak areas are paying attention and following through on directions. With the teachers aware of her condition, they knew how to help her succeed in the classroom. She is performing well, with some accommodations, and she is a happy student because she has teachers who understand her. We know that she will overcome this challenge, but right now we are so proud of her accomplishments.
c. What professionals/agencies do you deal with? What services are available to you and your child?
We take Caitlyn to speech and language centers (in Orange County), which provide good therapy sessions for her and information for us. We have been to a few and found one in Anaheim Hills that we really loved. During her therapy sessions, she is given repeated prompts, sensory activities such as jumping and touching textures, etc. She has been doing this since she was 4. When she went into the 4th grade, Caitlyn stopped going to these therapy sessions because she has shown improvement and her father and I have been using the techniques at home to help her.
As for her school, once Caitlyn was officially diagnosed, she was put on an IEP. The plan provides Caitlyn with use of earphones if necessary and available and extra time on her work. Teachers also follow this plan to make sure they speak facing her and repeat directions and information to her.
d. How did you find out about the above services?
Our pediatrician gave us names of some speech and language centers in the area. When it was time for Caitlyn to do her test at age 7, she needed an audiologist, psychologist, and speech therapist to determine her disorder. They were great resources as well and gave us ideas on how to help her at home.
e. What financial burden, if any, are you experiencing?
Caitlyn’s father and I both work and are considered middle class. I work part time because we need the money to pay for Caitlyn’s therapy sessions (when she was taking them), and for new technology to provide her support for schoolwork. We try to find new software to help her at home, and we have an earphone system for her we provided her classroom teacher to use. I also decided to work part time because I want to make sure I am home with her and giving her the support she needs.
f. What other information do you want to share?
Other than the fact that Caitlyn is given some modifications, she leads a fairly “normal” life. She has a lot of friends who come over often, she loves playing outside, and she works hard to get good grades in school. I am thankful to have so much support from the community and her school. She is growing up to be such an amazing girl.
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