My son, Ted doesn't talk. He can talk but won't. He has Down syndrome and is thirteen years old. I have a couple of theories about his speech problems. One of my theories is that he has dyslexia. When he was very young he would say most things backwards. I would say "cup". Ted would say "puck". "Ball" was "lob", "up" was "pa" and so on. The experts didn't care for my theory and never followed up. My second theory is that Ted is a bit of a perfectionist, almost obsessive/compulsive. He can hear that he is not speaking clearly so refuses to speak at all. Today he brought a Coke for me to open for him. Not a skill I am eager to teach him to do on his own. I opened it and he gave me a kiss. I said "I love you". As Ted walked away he said "Fool". Fool is his way of saying "love". I don't mind being a fool for my Ted.
~Tina
Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
Thank you Tina for sharing that with us! He sounds so sweet. Isn't it amazing how easily Mothers can understand their children when so called 'experts' can't?!!
Your not supposed to bawl, Triss. I was just sharing, in article form, a tiny segment of being Ted's mom. It is a warm and fuzzy feeling most of the time to be me.
~Tina
Drama Free Zone. What every gardener loves the most, Begins and ends in rich compost. (Tina)
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