Communications skills for MTM boys

Hi, Gang -

I thought I would open a thread so that we can share experiences about how our boys are managing communications - speech, signing, etc.

As I explained in another post, my grandson, Gabriel, who has MTM-X, is trached and has general muscle weakness. His therapists aren’t doing much with the Passey-Muir valve now as it seems to tire him. They are working on signing, but with his weak arms and hands, that’s hard for him, too.

He’s learned to vocalize “around” his trach, although consonants are harder (muscles, again). And of course, his eyes speak volumes.

I would love to hear how other families have helped their MTM boys communicate. We can tell there’s lots he’d like to tell us, and we want to help him do that.

Thanks to all. - Julie