Everything's Falling Into Place

God really has a plan and reason for everything. We waited and saved for Pat's assessment with Dr. Dizon and finally had a chance to do it last month. 3 weeks after, we had a conference wherein they will discuss the results of the assessment and their recommendations for intervention too. All of my therapists and her shadow teacher were there too.

Patricia is 4.5 years old already. See below her developmental age on different areas based on the assessment.

Fine-motor area (visual-perceptual-motor, practical and paper pencil tasks): 2.6

Gross-motor area: 4.3

Perceptuo-cognitive area: 2.1

Language Communication area: 1.5

Self-help, Psychomotor, Socialization and Communication: 2.6


I know that there are still lots of delays, still a lot of work to do, but we're happy. We started without knowing what to do or which area to focus on. Now, we have a clear and definite program to follow. I was glad that "my TEAM" was there too. I have a great team. During the conference, they were proactively asking questions, clarifications, and suggestions. I saw in them the genuine concern, care and love for Patricia and their determination to help her maximize her potential. I feel so happy and thankful.

Based on the results, we need to focus on her language and fine motor skills. But of course, bahavior management plays a very important role too. We need to focus on this since she needs to improve her attention span and seating time so she can learn more. Since my Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist and Shadow teacher are all there, we discussed what to do. Finding a good ABA Therapist is also on my list.

2 days after the conference, I also had an IEP (Individualized Education Program) conference with Pat's School's Head of SPED, Main Classroom Teacher and her Shadow teacher. The timing is just perfect. We discussed the assessment and how we can implement it in the classroom. We had a detailed discussion about it. Now, we have guidelines to follow in school, in her therapies and at home. We have to be consistent and firm. I also plan to meet with "My Team" more often now.

I'm happy with how the things are going. Still a long way to go but at least now, we know what road to follow. No more uncertainties, hesitations and doubts. We're all excited and fired up to do anything and everything for our angel's development. There's no way now, but up. Up you go, our little princess. =)

Finally Seeing the Light

After years of not knowing where to start, what to focus on, how to organize everything, what therapies to try, we finally see the light and it's shining so bright on us. Patricia's diagnosis came when she was 1 year and 9 months, that was almost 3 years ago. She's 4 years and 5 months now. We've tried a lot of approaches, GFCF Diet, Son Rise, ABA, mainstreaming and of course, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Now, we finally had her assessed by a psychoeducator and SPED Diagnostician. We've waited for so long for this, saved for so long too. She had her assessment last month. It was a thorough assessment. We were there from 9am until 2pm. She was asked to do table top tasks for about 2 hours. More on fine motor activities like lacing, scooping, blocks, coins, scribbling, zipping, buttoning, puzzles, etc. I was really surprised that she was able to do a lot of things. After 1 hour and a half, she became uneasy already, so we transferred to the playroom, so her gross motor skills can be observed too. She did a marvelous job, jumping, balancing, playing with the ball and drums. After 45 minutes of playing, we returned to the cubicle to try more table top tasks, but she doesn't want to participate anymore and wants to leave. So for the 2 hour interview, we stayed in the playroom. We were interviewed while Patricia played. The interview was also so detailed, no questions or concerns left unturned. Dr. Dizon and Teacher Penny of Child Find did a great job getting all the information from us.

During the interview, we were enlightened by so many positive characteristics of Patricia that were observed by them. The way she shows affection, kissing and hugging me, being able to play with different toys appropriately and also the way she smiles all the time. She's like an angel, that's what they said. They were also surprised when we told them that she loves playgrounds and parties with lots of children. They said that it's unusual for kids like them. At the end of the interview, we felt exhausted, tired, overloaded by information but also blessed and thankful to God for giving Patricia to us.

The time, the wait and the money..they are all worth it. Please read my next blog for the results of the assessment. I hope that parents who'll read this will have an overview of what to expect. Dr. Edilberto Dizon really did a great job with our daughter and we can't wait to implement the year long program already. =)