Hi. My name is Jessica and my daughter, Mikayla< has an undiagnosed developmental mental disability. We are looking into CP but no diagnosis has been made yet. Mikayla does not walk on her own, but does have AFO braces and should have her own walker by the end of the month. She will also be getting glasses by the end of the month. She was signed up to attend the dd preschool at our local school, but after much thought and deliberation I chose to keep her at home with me and her 8 1/2 month old sister. She will go to daycare part time (she loves it there and has learned so much) becuase I have to work to help pay the bills and I go to school full time persuing my degree in pediatric occupational therapy. I have an idea of what I should be teaching her but an looking for help and ideas. Anything would be great. I am only 22 so most of my friends do not have kids and the few that do know nothing of my situation. (My youngest is the perfect picture of "normalacy.") Also, Mikayla's expressive language is about an 15-16 month level. She knows basic words but not all of them are clear. Her receptive language however is very close to her age of 3. She is truly bright and catches concepts very easily she does not know how to say them back. I feel I could give her a better start than any teacher but am looking for guidance. Thanks

You can see Mikayla at www.eparent.com under familar faces

Jessica
mom to Mikayla - my boo bear
and Ashlynn- my littlest angel

"I feel I could give her a better start than any teacher but am looking for guidance."

No teacher will ever love and understand your daughter as you do. And since she will probably always have big differences in what she does well and poorly, you can acommodate her better than a teacher with other children to worry about.

Your physician can make recommendations for what is best physically for your daughter. And at her age, you do not want to do any formal curriculum. But you can read to her, and that has been shown to be the best single factor for future reading with any child--normal or otherwise. Actually both of your children will probably love some time with mommy reading to them.

There is a thread somewhere below here about sign language. It may be worthwhile to teach her some signs for everyday needs so she does not get frustrated trying to communicate things like wanting a drink. Of course, as her mother, you may understand her speech even when it is poorly pronounced. I have a cousin who has Down's Syndrome. Even after two surgeries, his speech is very poor. His family has learned some simple sign lauguage so he can always get his needs met. He understands complex language, but just can't get words out past his tongue.

Come back with specific questions, and we would be happy to encourage you.

Kysa