Augmented communication

Both Owen and Ruby has been referred to Augmented Communication Team at the speech department. Which is disheartening because the speech therapist is planning for worst case scenario. Hopefully, by the time they get called they won't need it.

Ruby's issues are definitely related to autism. She makes alot of varying vocalizations but is unable to consistently mimick or respond with spoken communication.

Owen on the other hand at 22 mths is waiting for ADOS autism testing in 5 mths. He has delays in all areas (play, social, receptive, expressive, articulation, phonetics) and is suspected of autism. He has just been put on the provincial Intensive Behaviour Intervention IBI waitlist.

Ruby is already on the same list and has been for over 10 mths. Many of the "professionals" feel that she won't ever see IBI eventhough the cutoff time is over 2 years away.

Some of the issues with Owen are apraxia (oral motor planning/coordination) and dyspraxia (gross and fine motor planning). He's unable to stick out his tongue or make mmm or "O"and it's difficult to determine yet whether it's more apraxia or ASD issues. He's a happy and lively guy despite only being able to make a couple of sounds.

We've been working on helping him point and clap; he's occasionally now clapping when prompted and needs help to point he just can't seem to figure out how to get those fingers moving the right way.

So they're both getting onto the PECS picture exchange program and Owen's working on gestures as well and Ruby on referencing and requesting. As well as being waitlisted for computerized communication training.