J.W.
I wouldn't worry too much about the 'follower' and 'leader' scenario. My son was/is dyspraxic. He was diagnosed at 15 months and started therapy at Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in Seattle at 18 months. This organization is now known as Kids Speak. He 'graduated' when he was almost 3 yrs old and went to a preschool thru our school district, but when he left Scottish Rite you would have thought he'd be vaccinated with a phonograph needle. He went from being non-verbal to being a magpie!!! Dyspraxia has other elements such as some delays in fine and gross motor skills, but as time went on his body caught up with his nervous system and he challenged himself by learning the saxophone, keyboarding and other physical activities. He has always been an observer and reporter of things he has observed and deducted. Today, he speaks French and Arabic, runs marathons, is an active participant in his college's philosopher's club, has a 3.86 GPA in college and is studying photojournalism. Contact Kids Speak. They are supported by Scottish Rite, there was no charge for any services received, no means testing.... if your child has a need, they have the slots available for therapy, your child is served. We had 2 sessions each weeks for over 18 months. They will help parents learn the skills necessary to stimulate speech at home as well. To this day, we designate our United Way contributions to these folks and get our employer to match that gift. The best to you and your family.
