ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

While out to dinner tonight, Landon & I were working on our alphabet.  Where did we go you ask? We had a lovely dinner at Johnny Rockets while sitting outside and enjoying the lovely weather this evening. Landon was such a good boy at dinner, which is something that is not in his repertoire lately. But lets get back on target- I was so happy to show Daddy what a good job Landon is doing with his sounds of letters!  He starts off like a pro- ABC…saying it so fast and clear. Then, you can hear the confidence fly out the window and his voice gets lower with some cracks as if he is going through puberty! But, he continues to slowly muster the letters and for the most part gets them all RIGHT!

You heard me, RIGHT!! Just because my little man doesn’t speak in full sentences or have  many “words” for that matter, he is very bright. We are in the process of getting his IQ tested, as many people are shocked with the level of understanding he has for his age and lack of verbal communication. I don’t need to have his IQ tested to know that he is very bright.  He has learned to overcome his lack of speech  by himself. Picking up signs left and right, using pictures cards, and sounding out words all on his own.

I know some people think Landon is not ” all there” when it comes to his intelligence. And to argue them would be a big waste of my time. Every mother at some point believes their child is better than others. I did at one point. I remember thinking how could I have a baby like so and so’s. But it was pathetic. Who cares? Every child is unique.   However, lets think about this for a minute. Landon is learning things above his age range all without talking, hearing well (at one point) and not touching or participating in certain scenarios. He has found a way to continue to learn, but differently from his peers. So,  for those who think, he is not “all there”, shame on you.  He fights everyday to learn a new word, try a new food, touch a new texture etc….

I leave you with this:

The article, “Genius May Be an Abnormality: asks the question- “At what point does a brilliant computer programmer or engineer get labeled with Asperger’s?” Since there is no clear point on the continuum of abilities that designates one as “normal” or “abnormal,” she challenges people to consider focusing on the development of skills rather than the labeling of a disability. Don’t forget the  skills Landon and others with Autism, SPD or other developmental delays have to build and how they build them. Don’t write off Landon and others just because of a label.

This is a wonderful website that can explain more on giftedness and developmental delays.

Be real- JOY