It's been a while since I last posted. I have been waiting for our one year anniversary to post, but we still have a few weeks so I thought I would catch up a bit.
The last few months we have been feeling that Meghan's English isn't as solid as it should be. We have had her evaluated by two different speech/language therapists and basically she is about 1 1/2 to 2 years behind her peers. The big question is - is this because she is learning English or is this because she really has some language issues? We saw a developmental pediatrician at an international adoption clinic and she felt that Meghan's delays were possibly English related- but either case, she would benefit from therapy. Speech therapy twice a week was recommended. Unfortunately, our insurance doesn't cover it.
As far as the school is concerned, her language is developing normally and these language delays are typical. They see no importance in the fact that she was delayed in her native language and received speech therapy in Taiwan. They will offer her no therapy.
So that is what we are grappling with around here. I wish I could say money grew on trees, but we will have to maneuver around a bit to get her the therapy.
Behaviorally she is doing well. However, she still tests other adults. At home she minds us very well. But with other authority figures she likes to see if she can get the upper hand. She doesn't understand body language or nuance. She cannot tell when someone has stopped joking around with her and it is now time to be serious.
So due to her language delays, the fact the public school is not offering her any services, and her lack of social awareness, I am considering homeschooling her next year. The verdict is still out. But I think that she would do so much better with 4 hours one on one attention verses sitting in a low functioning classroom of 25 kids, half of whom barely speak English.
In less than 3 weeks we will celebrate our first Family Day. She really is part of the family.
My heart goes out to you, Michelle. I know it can be frustrating when you know, as only a child's mother knows, that your child needs something, but there are many obstacles in the way. I will be praying for you and your decision on whether to homeschool next year. I plan on homeschooling Jing-Qi the first year. Fortunately, I can do this because I work for my parents, and they are very flexible and understanding people. Praise God! I think it is so important to just focus on learning to be a family and learning the language and culture to begin with. From what I hear from other families, they will most likely catch up in a couple years. I hope this will be the case with your little Meghan as well.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it has almost been a year! She has grown so much and made so much progress. I am sorry that you are struggling with the schooling/services in your district. I'll be praying as you seek to discern which direction to go for her schooling next year. Happy Family Day very soon!!
ReplyDeleteHappy 1st Family Day! Happy Thanksgiving Michele! I am always so glad to stop by and see what an amazing job you are doing. You have been an amazing mom and advocate for Meghan and I am so glad that she has you.
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