"Likes to Build, Usually Airplanes"

Today I found the piece of paper that Jared's teacher gave us in the parent teacher conference. For some reason, it got lost among the other papers and I'm just now getting around to reading it. If I didn't know he had APD, I'd probably be more frustrated than I am now. All of it sounds like him. The "speech is hard to understand" statement really stands out because I think so, yet the public school evaluator went on and on about how great his speech is. I thought maybe I was being too hard on his speech. However, if his teacher has difficulty understanding him, then there's definitely a problem. Again, we know the problem... it's called Auditory Processing Disorder... and things that he hears don't sound the way they're supposed to sound.

Here's his evaluation:

Speech

• Trouble articulating a coherent thought - story gets jumbled up and makes no sense
• Speech is hard to understand
• Repetitive questions and statements
• Demands I answer yes, "say yes", if I have said ok

Behavior

• Focuses on powerful things that cause harm (dragons, dinosaurs, jet planes with bombs), likes to "be" them. Gives him a feeling of control or power? Is it a boy thing?
• Bounces, rocks, hums when concentrating
• Disregards repeated reminders to not talk in the hall, Chapel, library - willful or unable to control it? Doesn't realize or think that he has to follow the rules? Does he understand the concept of rules?
• Says "I can't hear you". Has hearing been checked?
• When told to play in a different center when two children are in the one he wants, he will generally get into that center anyway and needs to be redirected
• Cries when someone won't listen to him

Art/Creativity

• Focuses on red and black
• Is able to color in the lines, when he concentrates
• Likes to build, usually airplanes

Character

• Compassionate - tenderhearted
• Devoted - loyal
• Shows faith, moral justice
• Very inquisitive. Wants to know all about whatever has grasped his attention. Usually requires several times through to process.

Jared has had his hearing checked more times than any other child, his age, that I know. Just this year he's had it checked 4 times. He has perfect hearing. That's one thing that is perfect.  All this other information? Well, it's tough to digest. But, I'm going to keep this record and I can't wait to see how different his parent/teacher conference will be next year!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)