Roadblocks

We hit a major roadblock today. We had Nathan’s assessment at CART for the dynavox. It was horrifying.

The speech therapist spent the entire time introducing Nathan to new concepts and methods that we’ve never used before, then commenting on his inability to perform the requested tasks. We spent several weeks using the Dynavox in a certain way, she then requested him to use the Dynavox in a way that he’s never done before. Then she had the gall to imply that Nathan doesn’t have the cognitive function to use the Dynavox effectively.

It was infuriating.

I don’t want to get into all the details as I have to get up in a few hours for Nathan’s MRI tommorrow morning. But believe me I gave her a piece of my mind. Unfortunately she was just as stubborn as me and we ended up at an impasse. She is going to deal with the Dynavox people to extend the trial period to 3 months. During that period she will give us “homework” that Nathan has to master. When we have the follow-up appointment, he has to demonstrate consistent functional use of the device for her to approve of the recommendation.

It’s just so hard because I know that Nathan needs this type of device if he is going to have any hopes of communicating. I just wish it didn’t have to be so hard.