[tri-med] Re: Any info on Dyspraxia?

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karen" <karens@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Alex does this as well but I always cut Aussie Alex a bit of slack with 
> this
> if it starts happening at the end of a long day. I think we all tend to
> forget that it takes a lot more effort, energy and concentration for Alex 
> to
> listen, speak and do those things that the rest of the world take for
> granted. I equate it to others as being like having cerebral palsy or even
> doing something new for the first time. Every step, every aspect requires 
> a
> lot of focus, concentration and effort to get it right. If we do that we
> will get it right but we quickly get fatigued as a result. When that 
> happens > we start being less precise and / or making mistakes.

Alex's right eye (strabismus that was doing so well for many years after 
glasses treatment) is worse these days also.
ESPECIALLY if he's sick or late in the day when he's tired.
But, I wonder sometimes if the lack of school work/related activities has 
made him work less hard on keeping those eyes focused. Or is it simply 
fatigue?
Most times, if we say "Alex focu your eyes" he can and will.

Alex's eye exam in June showed his vision was ok. However, the dr said that 
if the wandering ever caused Alex to have vision issues surgery could be 
done. Or if the wandering bothered Alex socially.

 > Another trick, which I had forgotten that we do until I was talking to
> Elizabeth, is to make Alex brush his teeth. He has an electric toothbrush
> and just brushing his teeth is "therapy" for speaking as it stimulates all
> the nerves and muscles of the mouth and makes him very aware of where his
> tongue is in his mouth. This in turn improves his speech and makes the 
> whole
> speaking thing easier for him. A regular toothbrush will work, but an
> electric toothbrush is much better because of the fast repetitive 
> movement.

Huh.  :-)
Maybe I can get Alex to brush in the middle of the day/late afternoon and it 
would help that.

Thanks Karen.

Michelle mom to Alex (20, partial trisomy 14 mosaic) and Molly (16)
MichiganUSA 


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