Way back in the beginning, when I first heard that my child might have APD, I researched to find the best available help for him. I kept coming across this name - Lori Stiritz. She is one of few experts assessing APD in Texas. When I first tried to get in to see her, a year and a half ago, I was told that no one would test a 5 year old. I also learned you needed a referral.
So, because of my Estes Audiology appointment, I got my referral. My appointment was scheduled for the beginning of July. I was excited. She works at Texas State University, my old Alma Mater. I was so ready to get a REAL assessment... not some crazy, confusing paperwork, like the previous audiology appointment.
Ms. Stiritz was great. She was funny and you could tell the students really liked working with her. She was wonderful with Jared. Unfortunately, Jared had fluid in his left, middle ear, so she wasn't able to perform the tests. We were only there for an hour and a half, but I felt immediate peace. She confirmed that if Jared had APD, we were doing exactly what we should for him. After an APD diagnosis, the only thing to do is therapy. Well, I believe the only thing is to PRAY and put him in therapy.
We had to reschedule for later in the month. She said it would actually be good, because she was going to an APD conference at the University of Connecticut in mid July, so she might come back with some new techniques or something. It was called "Frank Musiek’s 6th Annual CAPD Boot Camp". Mr. Musiek is quite the expert. Just check out his credentials - http://speechlab.uconn.edu/faculty/musiek/publications.html.
I guess the reason I'm writing this brief "pre-assessment" meeting blog entry, is because I want to make sure that if local folks are reading they know where to go. If your child has APD, please try to get into Texas State University for a diagnosis. You need to see Lori Stiritz, M.A., CCC-A, Senior Lecturer and Audiologist. You won't be sorry. Just wait until I write about what happened at the assessment.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
No comments:
Post a Comment