Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Words I Needed to Hear

I've waited 5 1/2 years, and I honestly never thought that I would hear the words, but today was the day. We had Emma's IEP today, and her speech therapist actually said the words, "She is functioning at an AGE APPROPRIATE level in her receptive speech!". I have dreamt about the day that anyone would tell me that she was functioning at an age appropriate level in ANY area...so, for me (and of course for Emma) this is HUGE!!! It is a day of celebration in our house!

Other things that were SO amazing to hear in her IEP....she has gone from 30% intelligible speech to 68%. She has gone from an average of 1.6 words per sentence to 4.9 words per sentence. That is a HUGE gain in 8 months! I know that I am focusing the most on her speech because that is the area that she has made the most growth. However, ALL of her therapists were extremely impressed by the gains that she has made.

I actually achieved 2 new "areas of growth" myself today:
1) I made it through an entire IEP meeting without crying

2) I left the meeting with my head held high and a HUGE smile on my face

I LOVE Emma's therapy team!! They all work together and they have HOPE for Emma. They BELIEVE in her and her abilities. THAT is what she needs the most right now....and I am thrilled that she is getting it!

Today was an amazing day! I have known that she has made great gains this year, but to hear it from "the professionals" really was something that I needed. It made my heart so happy!

Thanks for letting me share:). She truly is a miracle in every aspect of the word! I think back to those early IEP's and today is just a miraculous day! 5 years ago I never would have dreamed that I would be typing this post:). It's a good feeling!

6 comments:

Brandi said...

I am so happy for Emma! You are right, she is amazing. I hope and pray that Nathan gets a therapy team and teachers like Emma has had when he enters school. Thanks for sharing the great news!

Lilly said...

Congratulations:)
All of your and Emma's effort made this achievement.
I have not met you or Emma and I visit your blog from time to time, but I am very happy for you:)

Jacqui said...

Wow that is brilliant, well done to Emma, well done to you, well done to the team. I am so inspired by you all. Thank you for sharing your victory with us

The Peacock Family said...

We are so happy for you and proud of Emma and all of her hard work. I hope Sawyer has the same hard working therapy teachers as Emma. Glad to know things are going so well!

Anonymous said...

This makes my heart happy too. And also gives me strength . Thank you for sharing.

Cindy said...

Whoo hoo! I would be on cloud 9 for at least a year...in time for the next IEP! Way to go, Angie, and way to go Emma.