Grayson's Voice

At the end of last year, Mike and I decided to pursue a speech device for Grayson. We had him evaluated by his private speech therapist and an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)sales rep that she works with quite a bit. We decided on the tobiidynavox I-110 - which has Span + Core First on it. We decided against an iPad-based device because Grayson knows the ins and outs iPads and iPhones, etc. 

We heard the process could take as long as a year. I wasn't too worried about how long it would take until Mike's work sent out a notice that they would be changing our insurance effective July 1st - then I got nervous. If this wasn't going to be approved before that date, then we would have to resubmit everything again. And then we would have to pay a brand new deductible right up front. This device cost around $6k! And word on the street is that this new insurance is NOT autism services friendly. The verdict is still out on whether we can continue speech therapy for the boys :(

So you can imagine how greatly relieved I was when we got a phone call that our device was approved 100% and completely paid for by our outgoing insurance company. It was delivered to our house the very next day - I was so excited that I met the UPS guy in the driveway to sign for it. I was so surprised by how hefty and heavy it is - it is nothing like the lightweight tablets our kids have. It can withstand just about anything - even can get rained on! Our training for it was last week - so a few days before I set everything up. The training was only about a half hour - just about as much as Grayson could handle because it took place during his therapy session.


I have been working on it everyday. Because for Grayson to learn and be interested in it, I first need to learn and model it for him. Right now he is not receptive but we are still brand new at this. Hopefully he will take interest in it eventually. What I have been learning is that Grayson and I have our own level of communication - and that I don't actually talk as much to him as I do my other kids - I think its just because I have been so conditioned to the fact that he cannot answer me. That doesn't mean I don't talk to him at all - but it's difficult to carry on a conversation with someone who answers you with silence.

So send up some prayers for us as we step forward with this process!

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