Update 10/11/2007

Lauren had a very good visit with the pediatrician today. It was her 9 month well visit. The doctor was very optimistic when I asked about Lauren's development so far. She is very attentive and responsive, and is imitating sounds and movements, which is essential for learning. I discussed with him my need to be as proactive as possible, and ways to help her reach her fullest potential. I have been reading and researching as much as I can to see what I can do to help her. I know she will still have her issues, but I don't want to feel helpless with this diagnosis. I know there are many things I can do that will make a difference later to her quality of life. Recently, I have been trying to find ways to increase the pathways in her brain, which should result in a higher IQ. The doctor agreed, the more stimulation she receives, the better to create these pathways in the brain to facilitate learning and development. I am always looking for more ideas for raising IQ. Studies show, for example, that breastfeeding raises IQ by 3 points. (I have breastfed all my kids until the age of 18 months.) Other ideas I have read can raise IQ: baby sign language (this can be very helpful for Lauren, since speech is delayed in individuals with WS), stimulating memory (ex.: changing one component each week of an object she sees regularly, such as her mobile hanging over her crib), infant massage (I took a course when Katelyn was a baby), spreading out immunizations, protecting from neurotoxins in food and toys, proper iron intake (essential for critical areas of the brain to develop), playing classical music (classical music plays in Lauren's room every night, all night), music therapy or lessons, no television before the age of two, proper nutrition, and water intake (Lauren's physical therapist even indicated, when she saw me giving Lauren sips of water, that water facilitates brain function). I am skeptical as to whether or not some of these things can make a difference, but it doesn't hurt to try and we have everything to gain! After all, she statistically has a 25% chance of being of average intelligence. The doctor feels that based on where she seems developmentally so far, and because she receives therapy and we are starting with her so early, that her chances are even better than that. So I am extremely optimistic, even though I know she will have challenges that we will have to overcome. Who knows, maybe she will beat all the odds and be able to be very independent!
If you know of something else or have a suggestion, be sure to post me a message!!