‘words’ that Henry can say, in context, without prompting:
- o - o –o = ‘moo’ for cow
- v – v- v = vrmmm for truck/car
- ee – ee – ee = for mouse
- a – a – a = maa for goat
Words that Henry understands when you say:
- Henry
- Imogen
- Cow
- Uh uh (no)
- Sit Down
Environmental sounds that Henry recognises and knows what they belong to:
- Cars going past
- Cows mooing
- Wind chimes blowing
- Birds chirping
- Door opening
This short list does not seem to do justice to the enormous progress that Henry has made. Even though he doesn’t understand most of what is said, and can’t produce many sounds or words himself, he understands the concept of language. He understands communication. The rest is ‘easy’. Now he just needs to learn the vocab, the English language, practice, practice vocalisations and soon he will be understanding and talking! Of course, it won’t be easy, but you have to celebrate the victories along the way, and I feel we have made a great leap forward to hearing henry.
Sarah, what a wonderful record of progress! I came across your blog via your winning entry in the Huggies MumInspired Grant Programme, i have 3 hearing impaired children and i understand how special and amazing all these little steps are. None of my kids are profoundly deaf, not even severe enough for CIs, but my eldest was not formally diagnosed until 16months (despite newborn screening) so it's been a long journey with him, and we've had many such celebrations along the way.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for working so hard with Henry, my youngest is nearly 8 months old so i'm looking forward to many of those "firsts" you've recently experienced with Henry...
Alison :-)
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