Cleft Palate Update

Yesterday was our annual visit to the Cleft Palate Clinic. Christopher saw the surgeon, speech pathologist and the audiologist.
The surgeon was plesed with how well Topher's palate looks. He was also pleased with how his speech sounds, no nasal-ness. This is really great news, since it means Topher will NOT need a second surgery to lengthen the tiny muscles of the throat. I am happy to not have another trip to the OR!

Christopher was in rare form yesterday. I think he knew it was his time to shine! He jargoned and babbled the entire time, as well as saying some real words. He also showed off his signing, and proved he knew what he was signing by pointing to objects and doing the appropriate sign. All of this was unprompted and spontaneous.

The speech pathologist was pleased and not concerned about our lack of professional intervention at this time. I told her what all we do, and she observed how Sarah and I continually talk to Topher and repeat back the correct way to say words. She laughed and said that is exactly what she would recommend we do.

The speech pathologist asked Sarah if having a little brother with Ds has caused her to consider going into any type of teaching or therapy profession. Sarah told her she wants to be a speech therapist. She was very informative and encouraging. We walked away with websites and the names of colleges, and were able to get good ideas for Sarah's highschool course plans.
Four years ago, I would have never dreamed one of my children would desire to be a speech therapist. Topher, in his own unassuming way, is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with.