Valuing Plateaus
Plateau: A “period of little growth or decline.” What a negative way to think about a plateau which is also a “level land area considerably raised above an adjoining land level.”
We often use this word in a way to express disappointment instead of a way to assess our successes. To reach that plateau, great progress has already been made. If you are concerned that your child might have plateaued, look at how far you have come. You have already been through identification, pursued appropriate technology, committed to a communication choice, enrolled in early intervention.
Depending on the stage of your intervention, you have moved into sound identification, perhaps onto babbling and first words. Some of you are hearing sentences and sharing conversations. You may have found a school program. Whatever stage you are in, there is much to celebrate. Enjoy a moment on that plateau. Allow your child time to perceive and process a bit of his own success. We all need that. Take a deep breath and decide on your next priorities. Take stock of the challenges you face and strategize ways to overcome them. A positive plan if the best motivator.
There are solutions. There will be forward momentum. Support is out there. We Hear Here is here to help you chart a path.