[tri-med] Re: looking for ideas/suggestions

Hi Michelle...Laurie P here, I have changed my address to 
trier9@xxxxxxxxxxxxx computer!! 
I have the report in front of me now and here are some highlights of things 
that you might be interested in. First I will give you an ides of Brianna's 
cognitive/awareness abilities. This is only a teeny-tiny bit from the 
report...
Test performed at 12yrs. 
APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOR
Average stature for her chronological age. As true among many children with 
Trisomy 9p she did have craniofacial abnormalities, the most apparent of 
which was ocular hypertelorism. Brianna separated easily from her parents and 
was eager to participate in the evaluation. Accordingly, the results obtained 
today likely are an accurate reflection of Brianna's current functioning. 
SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION
Brianna's speech was remarkable for frequent, consistent articulation errors 
that reduced intelligibility significantly. When the listener was familiar 
with the context, about 80% of Brianna's speech was intelligible. 
Additionally, Brianna was willing to repeat herself and slow down her speech 
to assist the listener.
CONTENT OF THOUGHT
The contents of Brianna's thoughts were task focused and, albeit it brief, 
they progressed logically. She spontaneously expressed themes that included: 
her pleasure at receiving calls on her cellphone daily, from her grandmother 
and her attendance at the same school as her brother, Brandon.
SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTIONING
She appeared highly attuned to social input, such as the examiner's smiles, 
and other signs of approval and friendliness.
MOOD, SYMPTOMS, AND HABITS
She stated her mood was "good." She denied feeling lonely and stated that she 
does have friends although she could not name any. She indicated that she 
plays alone at recess and affirmed that she believes other children would 
tell her to "go away" if she asked them to join the game. She is not 
interested in having a boyfriend currently or in the future. 
SCALES-FULL SCALE I.Q.- (51-63)

BASIC READING-LOW AVERAGE 

READING COMPREHENSION-DEFICIENT

READING COMPOSITE- BORDERLINE

MATHEMATICS REASONING-DEFICIENT

NUMERICAL OPERATIONS- BORDERLINE

MATHEMATICS COMPOSITE- DEFICIENT

SPELLING-LOW AVERAGE(Brianna got a C- in 5th grade spelling)
                         
COMMUNICATION- SEVERE DEFICIT

DAILY LIVING- SEVERE DEFICIT

SOCIALIZATION- MILD DEFICIT

Based on her presentation and MSE, no significant psychiatric disturbance was 
noted today. However, several risk factors including her increased 
oppositionality, mood lability, and increased awareness of being different 
warrant monitoring in the future. 
Brianna's assessment today is consistent with a dx of t9p, although she does 
not have microcephaly or severe mental retardation. She does have the 
beginning signs of sexual maturity, despite the common finding that puberty 
is delayed in individuals with t9p. 
In light of her disabilities, Brianna is at risk to develop a mental 
condition such as a Mood or Adjustment Disorder. Times of personal loss and 
major life transitions(e.g., from elementary to middle school, etc) will be 
particularly vulnerable periods for her. Furthermore, her difficulties with 
reasoning and planning make her vulnerable to exploitation. She and her 
family may need to seek professional assistance from individuals such a 
psychotherapists/psychiatrists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, 
financial advisors, group home coordinators, and individuals trained in other 
areas to assist at these times. The extensive, strong, yet loving a warm 
support of Brianna's family is a tremendous asset to her growth-HAD TO PUT 
THAT PART IN--PAT-PAT ON MY BACK :)!llolololol

PSYCHOTHERAPY-This is it Michelle---we will be looking into this!-Presently, 
Brianna may benefit from psychotherapy to address her emerging awareness of 
her differences and her wishes to be more like her peers. Counseling may also 
help Brianna identify ways to develop friendships with an appropriate peer 
group and to address personal safety issues. Some school districts provide 
this for all students in the form of a visit from a police office during 
general assembly. Brianna is unlikely to be able to generalize such a 
one-time experience, however. She will need repeated lessons and role-plays. 
If the school cannot provide these service the family may wish to seek these 
services from a private psychotherapist.
They suggested the therapy be a play-type...ie: dolls, puppets, etc...

On a personal update....I was called home from work today, Brianna is 
sick..she was throwing up at daycare. I have been worried about her and this 
100+ heat! Her hands are swelling as well as her face now. The other day we 
could have sworn her pinky finger was broken...it was so swollen and 
distorted. She is also complaining of leg pain-again. I just wish I could RUN 
5 steps ahead of her and stop problems from reaching her!!.....anyone found 
the crystal ball yet?

Love, 
Laurie Poppe
Mom to Brianna w/t9p and 9-21 translocation. Age 12-entering Junior High this 
August!! AND mom to Brandon, little brother, age 9ys-- but has switched rolls 
to "big" brother, helping with his sister. HAHA-when I told him his sisters 
brain was functioning at about age 5 or 6ys...he yells, "YES!!-I'm older!!







                  Building ___ooOOoo__ Rainbows
                       www.trisomyonline.org
                  Families Helping Families On-line

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