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I would like to get my books and activities out in the world and into the hands of as many families as possible. The problem is, I have only used them with my own child. I don't know who all they would work best for, so I'm not sure how to accurately label them to help the right families find them.
Backstory
I created this program for my own special needs son. He went through a major regression at 18 months, including stopping speaking, and didn't speak again until the week of his second birthday. When he started talking again, his first words were number words, repeatedly counting "1, 2, 3, 4, 5." We quickly learned that he was years ahead when it came to math skills, and math was clearly a major love. Over time we learned that all kindergarten academics bring him pure joy. He will use random facts to distract us from things, such as "Are you ready to put your pajamas on?" "Umm.. Pajamas starts with P!" Or "It's time to go to bed now." "Ummm, 6 plus 4 equals 10!" However, he couldn't actually tell us "I like numbers," "I want an apple," or even "yes" or "no." He couldn't communicate his wants and needs at all. He could describe objects and name pictures. He could point to an object when described by the object's function. But he couldn't tell you what he wanted or needed.
As time went on, he added more phrases to his echolalia box, but they still weren't being used in a functional way, or a way that improved his life. He was stuck in a phase of delayed echolalia, mostly without meaning. Echolalia is when a person repeats a word or phrase exactly as they've heard it. Delayed echolalia is when they repeat the word or phrase exactly as they heard it, but hours-months later. It's kind of like their brain has a word bank, and when things get added they can only ever use them exactly the way they were added. To complicate matters even more, he has been extremely demand avoidant since he was a tiny little baby! Even if he's reaching for something with all his might, handing it to him has the implied demand that he will take it, so that would often put him straight into a meltdown. I had to get creative to help him.
Now of course, he'd been evaluated, deemed eligible for, and signed up for Speech and Occupational therapies since he was 19 months old. Unfortunately, it took the program we went through 6 months to schedule his first appointment. Then, they allotted very little time for these specialists to work with him. They gave them 15 minutes twice a month, but only scheduled a total of 12 appointments for speech, and 14 for OT over the entire 15 month period. They were wonderful people, but they weren't miracle workers. They did what they could in the time the program allowed them to be here. That still left us rather alone, so I started reading up on language processing, learning all that I could about it. My only other option was to leave my son struggling. That is NOT an option to me!
I identified my son's speech as consistent with Gestalt Language Development, which is when people acquire language almost exclusively through echolalia. There are stages and they matched my son's language development really well. I started implementing the knowledge by attempting to locate programs, resources, etc designed for this type of language processing. My searches came up pretty empty, and the one thing I did find didn't seem like it was a good fit for my demand avoidant child who melts down if you ask him if he's hungry, or thirsty (asking a question implies a demand that he answer.) I started buying packets of printable resources. Between the 95% of each set that required handwriting, and many sets that I had to pull from to make it match my idea, it was getting way too expensive. So I started writing my own books.
The Set's Design
The idea in my mind was I would write a book, then create supporting materials to go with it. I wanted the books to be written in a way that appeals to a child who primarily uses echolalia. I wanted the activities to take the words from the book, and swap them out or use them in various ways. This is my understanding of how gestalt language development works for kids like mine. My creations were simply designed to model those stages in a fun way that could be used without coercion. I created a wide variety of activities so there would be plenty to choose from.
How it Works
This is simple enough. If other families with children with language delays are interested in my materials, I will send up to 4 sets to your inbox for you to try with your children. All you have to do is fill out the form below, or send and email with a few details about your child or children (no personally identifying information is necessary.) I will send the first one, I See Bugs, within the first week. I will Check in on you about 2 weeks later and see how it's going. If you are struggling to get it going, I may even offer suggestions on how to gain your child's interest in a gentle, no-pressure way. The premise on which I created this it that it would be fun enough that children want to try it out. No rewards systems, no pressure, just here it is! At that time, if you are ready for a new theme, I'll send the second one. I'll continue checking in every 2 weeks to see if you would like the next one until all 4 are delivered, or you ask to stop participating.
What Do You Need to Implement This?
You will need to print off color pages (many libraries offer a limited number of free prints per month.) You will need glue and perhaps a stapler. Ideally, some activities are laminated and velcro is added to them. This is not a requirement, but it is an optimal use method of material preparation. The books are best laminated with velcro dots attached. Again, it's not a requirement, but it is highly suggested. The interactive aspect of my books is what makes them so special! There are several options for home laminators for under $30 on Amazon, and some are even under $20! You can also get a 100 pack of 3 mil laminator pouches for under $15. Additionally, you can get 500 pairs of velcro type dots on Amazon for $10 or less. Each book takes 4-5 laminating pouches, and 10-12 pairs of velcro dots, so one set of each above listed item is plenty! As well, the books will either need a spiral or comb binder, or a hole punch and book ring, shower curtain clip, or pieces of yarn to hold it together. Email me if you need help finding any of these things at affordable prices, and I'll gladly link you to any products I use myself. I am not sponsored by any company, I just like to help people save when I can. I know this might sound like a lot to spend on a "maybe it could be beneficial" idea, but there are many uses for a home laminator, such as preserving awards from school, or those special pictures kids draw that cannot all fit on the refrigerator. Still, if it's not doable for you, that's okay!
5 Things to Put in Your Sign-Up Email
Your name.
Your child's or children's age(s) in months.
Whether or not they have a diagnosed condition.
If they have a delay in language skills.
Any additional information you would like to share with me (including your child's or children's sex/gender, if you'd like to share that.
How Will the Information I Report Be Used?
Let's start with what I will NOT do. I will not give your name or nickname to anyone. I will not give or sell your email address to anyone. I will not repeat your specific words to anyone unless you ask me to in writing. I will not ask for money or credit card information. I will not put you on a mailing list unless you specifically ask to be placed on one (I currently do not even have a mailing list.)
What I WILL do: I do hope to gather data to more accurately describe the kids who are most likely to be interested. I'm tired of seeing ads for things that "CHILDREN LOVE!" with 0 data to support it. And then, no, actually, my child did not love it. He didn't even like it. But I spent my hard earned money on it because I fell for the marketing tactic. I would like to give a realistic expectation such as " XX% of children with mostly echolalic speech found this engaging" or "It took most kids X days to take an interest." I also feel like there could be the potential for Speech Language Pathologists to incorporate these books and/or activities into a therapy plan for some children, to really make it fun.
As well, I am a real person and am not using an automated system. Please allow up to 72 hours to hear back from me.
These free resources are not intended to be used in substitution of a Speech Language Pathologist, or any other specialized treatment. They are designed to be fun books and activities that may or may not have additional benefits. I am not aware of any risks of reading books or doing preschool-kindergarten type activities with children. However, if your child is currently under the care of a SLP, I advise you to discuss it with you SLP before utilizing anything. My I See Halloween set is designed the same way and is available to view or print for FREE if you'd like to get an idea of what to expect before signing up.
Ready to sign up? Have questions? Email me at: Rachel@adaptedheart.com if the submit button isn't working for you.