Our Wild Man
We are moving forward in the next phase of working on Killian’s delays. Like I mentioned in a previous post, we went to a specialist at the hospital that told us he was delayed and kept saying, with her sweet Thai smile “o no good.” I have tried to implement every recommendation that she gave us. She assured me that I would not be able to find a speech therapist that speaks English and I was Killian’s best option. After a month and half, my son has become a little more social with improvements with his eye contact but his speech has not. It does not matter what I do to change this, he is simply choosing not to talk to us with words we can understand. He does currently have a special language that he uses.
We have decided that we are not the best teachers for Killian in helping him to speak. I started to search out different options for help with developmental delays in Bangkok. Yesterday I visited the Reed Institute in Bangkok. I met with the director and explained everything that has happened with Killi. How he was talking, went mute when we moved to Bangkok, our disgruntled nanny that was clearly affecting him, our new nanny that he loves and the progress he has made in the last two months with his babbling.
I understand that some kids do not speak until they are three, every child is different and everyone is quick to tell me that I am worrying over nothing. The doctor confirmed that it isn’t a big deal if a two year old isn’t talking yet but because my son was talking and isn’t now, there was a clear regression that is a point of concern. He explained that it is better to put the work in now instead of waiting to see if he does have delays that need to be addressed.
We started our program today, which consists of a two-week evaluation, five days a week for 2-3 hours of playtime for Killi. During the evaluation the doctor is going to check everything possible in regards to his development, the previous doctor did this same test in 10 minutes in the hospital. During our first two hours today, Killian had a blast and really clicked with the doctor.
After two weeks, the doctor will provide me with reading materials that we will go through together and a step-by-step plan to help Killian improve in the areas where he needs help, obviously speech being the main concern. Finally someone that will actually teach me how to help my son. We will be going back to the center five days a week for 2-3 hour session until December.
This evaluation is used to diagnose autism although my doctor isn’t looking to label him, he simply wants to give me the tools to help my son. So either way, if he is or isn’t, whatever delays we find he will have help and Killian will show massive improvements by December.
It was great to watch my son play today, with the doctor there to observe and explain everything that is going on and how he is reaching certain markers. It’s an amazing feeling when someone is telling you “o that’s good! you see what he did just then?” instead of in broken English “ooo this no good”.
At the end of our first day, the doctor looks at me and says “Killian is a very clever boy, he is persistent and a problem solver. I am confident we will see massive improvements before December.” I explained I will read, study, watch and do anything it takes to help my son.
I do ask that you keep all of us in your prayers. As we move through this process I will be blogging so that other parents that might be in this similar situation can have some information to compare it to. I see how God is guiding me and is making it very clear that I am to be focusing all of my efforts on my son at the moment. This is our next big adventure.
From Palmetto Pride to Pad Thai 
Becky, thinking and praying for the three of you. It is great you are moving forward with help for Killian!
Just a thought..if you were in the US, would you be able to dedicate the amount of time YOU are, caring for Killian? It seems that another blessing in being around the world is God’s perfect timing, He knew your sweet baby would need you and Christopher! With all the distractions that we face in the US, many of them good things, we often neglect that which has been entrusted to us, the most precious things, our children. I thank God for the opportunity you have to pour Jesus into that little heart.
The following verse is such an encouragement: ” These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6
You are living out that verse. Pray continually, trust the one who created Him, and praise Him for the ability to live out this verse with that precious little boy!
Finally, we often hear of this verse at mission conferences..but I have adopted this verse as The Great Commission to disciple, train, teach and pour into our three:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I AM WITH YOU, ALWAYS, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28: 19
Be strong, don’t get weary, God is with you!
Sandy Hall
Thank you Sandy! I have been telling Chris the same thing, that this must be my purpose here because if we were back home I would be working and killi would be in daycare! It is a huge blessing and I thank God everyday for it! Thanks for the encouragement and prayers! I’m sure I will be needing more as we continue on this path!! 🙂
We are so glad to hear you found a good doc. in Bangkok! We are praying for you all and love you so much! Keep staying positive!
Praying all goes well with Killian and that when he starts talking a lot you won’t tell him to “be quiet!” My nephew didn’t talk till he was 2; my grandson was delayed in speaking simply because he was “the little King” and he just had to point and his wishes were granted. Now he’s a very smart 7 year old. So hang in there, Becky. All will be well with a lot of prayer. It’s hard when you’re not on “your own turf” but you are so persistent, you found a good doctor, so all should be well. Keep us posted.
Becky , Chris I’ll make sure that the rest of the family knows what to pray for, I know that you guys have been in the general prays. To let you both know Kara got baptized this past Sunday. There’s this new church in Rock Hill, it’s been here for a few year so you may have heard of it “Elevation Church” it’s based out of Charlotte, NC.. I’ll also do some reaches about some books that might help. Kara didn’t speak clearly until she was around 3, and as we all know she loves to talk. I agree with everyone else for what Killian’s needs are now, God had it all planned out. We just never know what his plans are. It is so great that you found a good doctor, even finding one here in the states is hard, I think God was in that also. Please keep us posted. Johanna
Fantastic! In so glad the RI was a positive experience & I look forward to hearing how you continue to progress.
Im also curious as to which hospital gave you the 10min assessment & did not reccomend another support organization…
Bumrumgrad
I will not be going back there