1 Year Post-Switch On Review

Taylor had her 1 year post switch-on review and mapping today.

Her CI map has changed very little since her last visit (3 months ago), so just some minor tweaking. With her hearing progressing so well, she is now able to indicate she is hearing by other means other than by turning towards the puppets (although she still looks for the puppets!). Joanne and Naomi (new Audiologist ) spent a small amount of time conditioning her to put a peg in a hole once she heard the sound and she picked it up very quickly ..... listening carefully and then as soon as she heard the sound, she would put the peg in. We were all surprised how quickly she cottoned on to the idea!

Following her mapping session, she spent some time in habilitation with Joanne. We also had Rachel, our Advisor from Deaf Services sitting in plus an Advisor from Wellington. Normally Taylor would be very very shy at the start of her sessions, hiding into Craig or I, but this time she was quite the social butterfly and 'played up' to the audience!

Habilitation went well and we were surprised as usual at how much her listening and vocalisation had increased.

Words that she can now say:

More (Mawww)

Up (ah ah ah - not quite getting the 'p' sound

Barney (Arney - pronounced very clearly)

Mama

No

Baby (more like A-bey)

sing (ing)

Nana

Bath (ath)

Ta

Please (eeese)

Bye (eye)

When she is in the mood she really tries to form many words - but these are the ones we have heard her say more than once.

In terms of her understanding, she understands a huge amount of words and will follow simple instructions, like go and get your shoes, time for dinner .... time for breakfast ..... bath time ..... ice cream.

She continues to recognise a huge number of songs and will sing along to the tune using actions when she knows them. She loves "I love you" (Barney), Baa Baa Black Sheep, If you're happy and you know it, Two Little Dicky Birds, Rock a bye Baby, Twinkle Star. We will often sing songs to her at bedtime and she asked for Rock a bye Baby by rocking her arms and saying "baby". When I say to her "Mummy Sing" .... she will say sing .... then peese (please)