Right.
Here.
If we had not found Nancy Kaufman and Kaufman Children's Center, Luke would have not been diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech until 3 years old (or later) even though CAS was suspected by an SLP during an evaluation by Babies Can't Wait (Georgia's Early Intervention) when Luke was 18 months old.
ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) suggests that SLPs wait until after the age of 3 to diagnose CAS, so most SLPs won't.
But Nancy Kaufman isn't most SLPs.
She. Is. The. Best.
THE Childhood Apraxia of Speech Queen.
I even made her a plate that says it.
Although she was a
little hesitant to display it, concerned that parents would think she was self proclaiming it....I am proud that it is still in her office. Almost 2 and a half years after we presented it to her ;)
This week marked a year since we had been to the KCC for intensive therapy.
On Monday, April 28, 2013 Luke opened the doors of the KCC (for what would be our 6th trip since 2010) and even though he had just gotten out of his mouth that he was going to tell Nancy thank you.......in true Luke fashion, he announced "I don't need to see Nancy Kaufman. I can talk now."
I wasn't sure how Nancy would take his news, but she didn't miss a beat.
She agreed that he didn't need her anymore and she was beaming with a real maternal pride. Tears filled her eyes and mine as we watched Luke, the now 4 and a half year old, chattering away.
After catching up, talking about our therapy schedule and the week's goals....Nancy went to work her magic on more children.
