I {heart} NACD

If you know me or have been reading my blog for a while, you may be sick of me talking about NACD. But, one thing is for sure, you also know how blessed I feel to know about and to have my kids on program with the National Association of Child Development.

Most recently, they've added a new website specifically about Down Syndrome. Lots of good information for families and others interested in issues related to Down Syndrome. Check it out HERE.

I have received several emails recently from people that research NACD and "stumble" on my blog in a google search. Because of that & because they all ask how I found out about/got started with NACD, I want to share how my journey with NACD began. It's a story that only God could weave together like this ...

I have twin brothers that are 14 years my junior. My baby brothers, never mind the fact they now tower over me! They were having some learning issues (including Dyslexia) when they were in early elementary school. In an attempt to save them from Special Ed, my mom pulled them out of school, began homeschooling and started on program with NACD. I was in college at the time and didn't know details about what my mom was doing, but within a few months, there was a profound difference in both of them. Within just a couple short years {relatively speaking}, they no longer had symptoms of Dyslexia and were no longer on program with NACD! There was no denying the progress that had been made, the success that was attributable to (my mom's hard work and) NACD's approach and program. I didn't realize/appreciate at the time just what an impact it would have in my life!

A few years later, when my daughter was born and we learned about her diagnosis of Down Syndrome, I knew immediately that I would (at least) give NACD a try. We took her to her first appointment in Dallas when she was only 6 months old. It was overwhelming, but also very empowering. I was so impressed with the way Lyn looked at Jordan as an individual. She talked to me about what she saw as her weaknesses and needs & asked what my priorities were for Jordan. She mentioned some issues to monitor closely that tend to be common in children with Down Syndrome, but she never mentioned an approach or a program for Down Syndrome. She gave me a unique program that was specifically for Jordan (and me!).

We have now been on program for 8 1/2 years. I am not only on board with the neurodevelopmental approach in general, but I also treasure having their expertise and help when it comes to providing the best possible future for my daughter. My 7 year old son is also on program (a homeschool program) and in addition to a God-given gifting, I attribute his acceleration in large part to NACD.

I have little doubt that eventually our other children will be on program as well. NACD doesnt pay me/compensate me in any way for promoting them (although maybe they should??? A discount might be nice :)). I just really believe in it!

I'm always open to answering specific questions or emails about NACD, but hope this will answer the question I am asked the most!

The Latest

I've once again gotten behind on blogging. I think I've posted individual blogs on the major happenings around here, but there are a couple little things that are "blog-worthy" as well!

First, one of my favorite sounds right now is listening to Jadyn BELT OUT (and I do mean BELT OUT!) "Jesus is my best friend...my best friend...my best friend..." when it plays in the car. Just the most precious thing! Oh, goodness, if I could bottle that girl's zest for life!

Also, Jace-update: He has his second tooth. Too cute. I was in the post office the other day and decided to weigh Jace ... the dude just turned 5 months old Oct 31 - and weighs 20 lbs!!! I think I've mentioned that he likes to EAT! And, speaking of eating ... we started some solids. I'd been noticing that he seemed ready - he was interested in us eating, no tongue thrust, etc. So, the other night we were eating baked sweet potatoes. I gave him a bite of mine (it was plain ... no "goodies" in it!) - and he scarfed it right down! No pushing it out with his tongue ... just fussing for more! It was rather funny! So, we tried some rice cereal (I actually found some organic BROWN rice cereal for babies! Totally pumped about that!!). He's been eatin' it like a champ too. Did I mention this boy likes to eat?

Finally, we have new NACD programs. We had evaluations a couple weeks ago. I wasn't surprised to find out Jordan has lost some ground. I guess taking off program and school for 4+ months, having a new baby, moving across the country and experiencing a hurricane was too much. Shucks. Its a bummer, but I also know that we'll regain the ground we lost and move forward once again. Just means its time to buckle down and get to work. We're focusing this quarter on her eyes (as they don't track together well), her fine motor and auditory/visual processing.

Jake, oh, Jake. What can I say? Clearly, his progress has NOTHING to do with me! And, if ever there was proof! IN SPITE of all I listed as challenges for Jordan, Jake went up in math and reading. That kid. I told our evaluator that clearly he just does better if I get out of his way! LOL! In lieu of academic issues with that child, we face motor skill issues. Nothing major, but his gross and fine motor skills are not impressive, so those will be the big focus for him this go 'round. Along with some new academic stuff (to liven things up a bit!).

I've said it before - and I'll just say it again - I'm so thankful for the blessing NACD is to us. I'd be at a loss without their expertise.

National Association for Child Development

If you've read my blog or had a conversation with me at any length, you know I'm a huge fan of NACD. Jordan's been on program with them since she was 6 months old; Jake has been on and off program since he was 3. I'm so thankful for their expertise and their empowerment of Ed and me as their parents.
I 'swiped' the following blurb and link from the latest newsletter and I think these videos help explain their mission and approach (which IS different and therefore difficult to explain to people). So, if you have the time to watch, it explains what we do and why. Who do you know that can use this information???
My favorite line in one of the clips is "If your child lacks function, it doesn't mean he lacks the potential for the function."


"Because NACD's Targeted Developmental Interventions are so individualized and innovative, some parents have difficulty explaining the benefit of NACD's approach to their families and friends.

Problem solved.

There are now three short video clips on the NACD website that can help introduce and explain NACD to your family and friends.
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001J3iOYt_UPckB4ZiOUYrS_gpcGhg3ZJ6BpcbLX4Wc8AR2JEMsL6s8z9uA_tNso6oJ7XO5COR71NehUOklAHduswXOKFfF3YBQKQBDtmDBXD2cj51H4qYmI5G8TmBObQ2HgLVMoXf8swc=

The first, Introduction to NACD (7 min) outlines NACD's belief that children with challenges can become typical, typical children can become exceptional, and exceptional children can change the world. This video clip highlights three dramatic success stories.

The second, Autism: What Works (5 min), explains that for NACD, our job is to help children on the autism spectrum achieve their innate potential. Our goal is to eliminate the symptoms of autism.

The third, Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder (3 min) explains that for NACD, learning and attention problems are the easiest things to fix. We urge parents: Don't accept labels and think your child will have that label for life. Understand their issues and fix those issues."

Happy New Year!

I can hardly believe 2007 is history. In so many ways, it doesn't seem a whole year went by and then in other ways, it seems like January 1, 2007 was ages ago!
Our Christmas holiday was busy and went by way too fast. We enjoyed a very brief visit from my mom (after she got stuck spending the night in Wichita due to the weather) and then a longer visit from Ed's mom. She flew back to Houston today. The kids have been totally and completely spoiled - just as it should be when Gummie and Grandma both come to visit at Christmas time! Of course, they have more new toys than they know what to do with - and more new clothes than they can wear in two weeks.
I didn't do too bad myself. Ed got me a gift certificate to stay (alone!) at the Sheraton. Even though it sounds like a torture session to him, he knows me well enough to know I need time alone to recharge. I'm really looking forward to it! He also got me a new Flip Video camera. Its totally cool - it only records 30 minutes of footage, but requires no tape or memory stick - and hooks right into the computer to download. I'm totally pumped ... and might actually post some video clips to my blog! I got a ton of other goodies - including lots of maternity clothes!! One of the favorites around here has been a computer game Jakey got - although I think Ed and I are enjoying at least as much as Jake - Jewel Quest - as recommended by our friend Curt. Its addictive!
We took our Christmas tree and decorations down yesterday. Today has been a day to clean, play games and just veg as a family. And, there's football, of course.
Tomorrow we're back to our routine. Ed goes back to work after being off for two weeks and the kids and I get back to school. We got our new NACD program and its brutal. But, the timing is good. We'll plug away until the baby comes and then have a breather for a while.
I don't know about you, but I always look forward to a new year with such anticipation. What does God have in store? What changes are ahead? Challenges? Blessings? Can't wait to see ...