I saw a very nervous family recently. They had so much to say. They clearly knew their son well. They were very proud parents and told detail after detail about what their child COULD do.
Why were they asking for an evaluation?
Turns out, family members had been asking “what is wrong with him?”
NOTHING. There is nothing “wrong with him.” He is an amazing little human.
Not only is he an amazing little human, he is energetic, kind, and engaging. He loves his little brother and charmed me in seconds. He is learning how to communicate. He has some patterns of errors in his speech that impact how much others can understand.
The parents were so relieved that someone else was seeing their son for the awesome kid he is that the dad left the room to DANCE. No lie, he went out of the room to dance.
These parents had spent far too long listening to family and friends who just didn’t understand the power of their (hopefully well meaning) comments. They wanted to help I’m sure BUT….they forgot that this little man has a million amazing qualities.
Kudos to the parents for getting him evaluated because it never hurts to check. Kudos to them for making sure I knew that he is incredible.
Friends and family, it is OK to suggest an evaluation because we know early intervention is key but please, make sure you don’t lose sight of the child, the parents, and the insecurities that come with raising children.
Building Better Speech and Language 