tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post3499173419702672641..comments2023-11-02T07:53:45.876-07:00Comments on Girl's Gone Child: Still No WordGIRL'S GONE CHILDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07130764109593048451noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-53017859191750682692007-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:002007-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:00I stumbled across your blog by accident, while doi...I stumbled across your blog by accident, while doing what none of us wants to do - torturing ourselves doing Google searches of autism symptoms. Movie credits...spinning things...no talking...turning lights on and off...what does it all mean for my little 28-month-old Nugget? Just reading about you and Archer made me feel better. Nugget's been in speech therapy for a few months now, and it seems to have helped with concentration and attention span - he's even picked up a few new words, but no combined phrases yet. Like you, we'll wait and see, but will also love continue to love him unconditionally. I don't really know how people who don't live with my boy can try to diagnose him, anyway. Thanks for posting this - I've bookmarked ya!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-27008962296227904382007-06-28T21:02:00.000-07:002007-06-28T21:02:00.000-07:00this comment comes so late -- after 84 others i do...this comment comes so late -- after 84 others i doubt you'll read this -- but i had to respond to this post. a mother myself, i, like you, instinctively shy away from the babybook phenomenon and work hard to raise my son on my own. i just want you to know that i know several boys your son's age (one is actually almost three years old) who don't use words yet. their parents hold postgraduate degrees (in english, no less); they don't watch television (which is supposed to delay language skills) and they are both reading-obsessed families. i say stick with what your gut is telling you: he's a late bloomer. Or, even better: he's not late, he's just taking his time.Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16625377988852170518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-38895179155621910292007-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:002007-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:00Clearly, the trouble started when you named your s...Clearly, the trouble started when you named your son Archer. Kids who have something wrong with them have names like Archer and Cooper and Thayer. Normal kids are named Mike and John and Pete.<BR/>And having a high school education? Not good. You are now on record for all eternity as trailer trash. This will follow Archer through has school days, holding him back from opportunities and landing him in the Vo Tech. All is lost.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-59249479432450300902007-06-25T19:37:00.000-07:002007-06-25T19:37:00.000-07:00My son, who is now 3 and a half was also a late bl...My son, who is now 3 and a half was also a late bloomer. He wouldn't crawl, didn't walk until much later than his peers... and he didn't talk much either. Now he is a little chatter box, and runs faster than I can catch up. Some kids are just fine with taking their sweet time. At least my son was. He is as laid back as they come. <BR/><BR/>Don't let a stranger, who doesn't know you or your son convince you of something you don't believe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-65764663312817966342007-06-18T09:35:00.000-07:002007-06-18T09:35:00.000-07:00Just thought of something to add (besides what I s...Just thought of something to add (besides what I said before, that he IS absolutely perfect--which is worth saying again).<BR/><BR/>I spoke words, but took a very long time to put two or more together. In fact, my mom was ready to take me to a specialist, when all of a sudden I bust out with a full sentence. My mom's theory is like Katherine's--I wanted to make sure I had it right before I said anything.<BR/><BR/>Another friend of mine had a lot of speech issues but, other than occasionally mixing up some words, you wouldn't know it. She is bright, educated, and a wonderful friend.<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to put that out there.Candace Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05888447703056321730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-80620337671106017712007-06-17T20:42:00.000-07:002007-06-17T20:42:00.000-07:00Alan was in speech throughout elementary school. I...Alan was in speech throughout elementary school. I could understand him when nobody else could... not even our parents. It took him a long time to talk... and even longer to talk where others could understand him in the slightest. He's so smart... smarter than I am. Sometimes the kids with the toughest times in their younger years are the ones who grow up to be the best and the brightest. I know Archer is smart. I've seen him. And I also used to work with that age group for years... you can differentiate the smart versus the not-as-smart.<BR/><BR/>Also, my cousin had a baby a few years ago and everyone in our family was trying to convince my cousin that her daughter was developmentally delayed. She is in kindergarten now and among the brightest in her class. Sometimes it just takes longer for some than others.<BR/><BR/>Two more stories to add to all the previous ones telling you not to worry! :)<BR/><BR/>Love you!! ~LilliLillihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08218716943324235493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-60166623373256080142007-06-17T15:49:00.000-07:002007-06-17T15:49:00.000-07:00I've heard many stories of kids who didn't speak a...I've heard many stories of kids who didn't speak a word until age four or five. I'm sure Archer is fine. You're a wonderful mom and your intense love for him comes through so beautifully and clearly in your posts.S.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06609421452596422823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-24235001233158268902007-06-16T21:03:00.000-07:002007-06-16T21:03:00.000-07:00I am so hoping for you that it is nothing more tha...I am so hoping for you that it is nothing more than delayed speech. Our Princess didn't start to really talk until she was 2 1/2 and boy, you sure couldn't tell now, she is a huge chatterbox... of course she is 24 but hey, she talked late, really! Best of luck. The autism shadow is a scary one. We have one of those too...Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15530972001172936718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-76528137258212864042007-06-15T23:28:00.000-07:002007-06-15T23:28:00.000-07:00I have a half baked post idea floundering that I d...I have a half baked post idea floundering that I don't know I'll ever do. And really it is just a note to you. So why not a comment?<BR/><BR/>A note to say.. Fuck the blooming tags. My daughter will be 3 in September and she is a talker. Oh man. Shut up already. No don't tell Mommy 'bad choice'. And, look kid that other girl in your gymnastics class can do the hanger-dang-hers way better than you Girl Child. You can't do it all Miss Fancy.<BR/><BR/>Everything is a conspiracy to push achievement and competition between parents to the lowest possible age. everything.. (but you know that.)<BR/><BR/>How did our grandmothers do it, right? <BR/><BR/>There is no age for anything. Individuals are of infinite value and are, as you say, individuals.<BR/><BR/>HE IS PERFECT.<BR/>And, yet. he can't do it all.mo-wohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10934156423936866994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-88360212477684110262007-06-15T20:16:00.000-07:002007-06-15T20:16:00.000-07:00I'm late to the party here, but just wanted to say...I'm late to the party here, but just wanted to say that there are too many labels and diagnoses out there now. I know it is helpful for some but I fear that kids get labeled with some 'disorder' too often and then carry that label through life. <BR/><BR/>My third hardly talks as well----he said maybe 2 words at 2---mama and baba (for nursing). He is almost three and has a few more words but almost all of them are impossible to understand by anyone other than me. He is being "evaluated" on Tuesday after much dragging of feet on my part. I'm not sure why I'm doing it other than to know where he 'fits' among his peers. Regardless of their recommendations though, I will probably just continue to talk to, play with and love him and let the words come to him in due time. When a child isn't talking, just think about how much of the world they are absorbing by watching and listening.<BR/><BR/>Hugs to you. Archer IS perfect.Fairly Odd Motherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11974404093257620566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-1921888900053635822007-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:002007-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:00I'm probably echoing what the words of the throng ...I'm probably echoing what the words of the throng as I add mine, like I give a fuck.<BR/><BR/>I think he's perfect, too. Just like you.<BR/><BR/>We all are, babe.<BR/><BR/>*gives Rebecca a big ole hurty squeeze*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-21853199194736581072007-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:002007-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:00I've been reading your blog since I-can't-remember...I've been reading your blog since I-can't-remember but I never comment. This is a bit late too, but I've been sick and I'm just catching up.<BR/><BR/>Is Archer a perfectionist? <BR/><BR/>I'm not a mama and so I can't give you reassurance based on my own personal experience, but here's what I think: Archer's just listening and biding his time until he knows exactly what he wants to say and how to say it. He's just waiting til he's confident he'll get it right. He's not gonna start with any half-measures - when he starts speaking, i bet he's gonna hit the ground running and never look back!<BR/><BR/>If you think about it, this boy has a lot to live up to where words are concerned!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12703118723454485512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-73348684429660130212007-06-14T21:12:00.000-07:002007-06-14T21:12:00.000-07:00You are right.He is perfect.He will always be perf...You are right.<BR/><BR/>He is perfect.<BR/><BR/>He will always be perfect.<BR/><BR/>Just like my baby with her heart "defect" is perfect.<BR/><BR/>I don't know much about talking as the Baby Diva is still just 10 mos...but I do know a good mommy when I "see" one. And you are an excellent mommy.<BR/><BR/>As long as you don't let it negate your instincts, it is fine to allow a specialist to see him. No matter what you will do what is best and it will be good.<BR/><BR/>Your blog is so touching and you and your son are beautiful.Candace Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05888447703056321730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-27942232955701104422007-06-14T13:16:00.000-07:002007-06-14T13:16:00.000-07:00This post was so touching. Your love for Archer is...This post was so touching. Your love for Archer is palpable. You are a good mother and you are doing everything right. I will be thinking of you and Archer and hoping for lots of words when he's ready.Cristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07245436504933052526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-58041939964394141342007-06-14T12:12:00.000-07:002007-06-14T12:12:00.000-07:00I have no advice, but I do know one thing: you wer...I have no advice, but I do know one thing: you were most definitely meant to be his mother. Just look how much you love him!<BR/>xoxo<BR/>KarenKaren Bodkinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02648840299789088421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-81931706254487335782007-06-14T09:29:00.000-07:002007-06-14T09:29:00.000-07:00My son didn't start talking until he was 21 months...My son didn't start talking until he was 21 months old. He was a late bloomer, too. With EVERYTHING. Rolling over, crawling, walking, talking, etc.<BR/><BR/>I used think this was because he was born early and it's normal not to reach the same milestones as full term babies. <BR/><BR/>But our pediatrician was up in arms over these things and wanted me to have him checked out. <BR/><BR/>I took him to a speech therapist who told me everything was normal for his age and based on his developmental history. I was so relieved and now my son never shuts up. I love that he's talking...I think he just needed to break out of his own shell.<BR/><BR/>I believe Archer is going to be fine. He's a beautifl healthy boy with a wonderful mother. <BR/><BR/>But I do understand the "what if's". They are hard to swallow. My thoughts are with you and Archer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-8485655558370052122007-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:002007-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00For different reasons, I think I can relate to how...For different reasons, I think I can relate to how you feel. it's overwhelming to be the mother of a child. And then, when "they" tell you, you should seek some "advice," all the read flags and warning bells go off in your head. And all we want for them is a happy time, a happy childhood.<BR/><BR/>I will keep my fingers crossed for you and Archer. The told us this week PunditGirl should get more "testing." My gut reaction is the ever-so-polite F.Y. But I don't want to miss something. My head is spinning. Hang in there.PunditMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12919969826505761593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-28938593783334228052007-06-13T16:38:00.000-07:002007-06-13T16:38:00.000-07:00One of my best friends is a preschool teacher. The...One of my best friends is a preschool teacher. They currently have a few 3-year-olds in their program who still aren't talking (and her own son didn't talk at all until he was three). It's not as uncommon as you'd think.<BR/><BR/>I think it's not only the websites but sometimes other moms (purposely or not) who make us feel like their is "something wrong" when there isn't. The moms who are so proud their child is already potty-trained, the ones who give you learning videos for your child "just to help" (and I've gotten those). It makes you feel anxious inside and resistant to any help. But don't be afraid to get help if it's needed; those experts can be a godsend. I haven't talked about this on my blog at all (and it's even hard to write here) but one of my brothers has brain-damage. When it comes down to it kids with special needs aren't any less than any other kids, they often just learn differently. <BR/><BR/>Archer is perfect. Lots of hugs to both of you! - MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-50783867134399698492007-06-13T14:38:00.000-07:002007-06-13T14:38:00.000-07:00and this mama didn't check for spelling errors!!! ...and this mama didn't check for spelling errors!!! I can talk, I just can't type!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-56413875053213080092007-06-13T14:36:00.000-07:002007-06-13T14:36:00.000-07:00Rebecca, Bless your little Archer....I bet he does...Rebecca,<BR/> Bless your little Archer....I bet he doesn't have much to say. Period. My daughter was 3 before she spoke anything recognizable (only by Daddy and I knew) She's a lawyer now. My next child, spoke volumes at a year and a half. He's 23 now, never been gainfully employed, lazy as the dickens. Didn't matter much, did it? Hang in there--what they do at 2 or 3 has not bearing on the later years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-7973969809004924312007-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:002007-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:00Hey Bec,I have no words either for your post but, ...Hey Bec,<BR/><BR/>I have no words either for your post but, hang in there. I have heard of so so so many kids, especially boys, who don't talk at two and don't shut up by three. It will all be fine. Trust that gut of yours. It hasn't failed you yet.BabyonBoredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05988664515214410933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-21209196050809252772007-06-13T12:18:00.000-07:002007-06-13T12:18:00.000-07:00I've no advice... except trust your instincts. If ...I've no advice... except trust your instincts. If Archer wants to talk, he'll talk... no point 'therapizing' it out of him. Hugs to you xxxStyle Policehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07872082813768232994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-78566260522429695722007-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:002007-06-13T11:38:00.000-07:00My stepbrother, Jake, didn't talk until he was thr...My stepbrother, Jake, didn't talk until he was three, and then it was complete sentences. Not one word, and then it was a torrent! He is one of the smartest, kindest people I know, too. He's a very talented artist, funny and sweet. Things DO turn out. I'm sorry you're going through this. Hang in there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-38770796513833724212007-06-13T11:37:00.000-07:002007-06-13T11:37:00.000-07:00Rebecca - I'm sorry you were hurting. I'm thinking...Rebecca - I'm sorry you were hurting. I'm thinking of you and Archer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18751784.post-63777379876803781922007-06-13T06:40:00.000-07:002007-06-13T06:40:00.000-07:00I am glad you are feeling better about things. Th...I am glad you are feeling better about things. Thanks for replying to my email. I wish there was more I could do to help. I think you are fine and Archer really is perfect.Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07950880083795695746noreply@blogger.com