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A few notes from Barbara A. Taylor, M.S., CCC-SLP,
Executive Director/ Help Me Speak, LLC
1. Remember that NV seems to be
DOSAGE dependent.
In other words, don’t start counting days on NV until your
child has been on the full dose. You may see changes/surges prior to that but
you may not.
It’s the same as taking a portion of any medicine or
supplement. If I have a migraine and take ¼ of the Imitrex, I don’t expect it to
work nearly the same way. If I’m on an antibiotic for a sinus infection and I
take it only once a day (vs. twice/day), my infection WILL take longer to
improve and may NOT improve because I altered the dosage.
2. Rate of gains
The rate of surges/gains on NV depends on ALL the factors
of
strength/weakness in a child. If a child is functionally
nonverbal (= a few sounds/words), has ASD, has apraxia, and more, then it make
take more weeks to see changes. I would not expect my clients who are similar to
come in to
therapy after a wk or two on NV and suddenly use a verbal
4-5 word sentence. I DO expect progress but at a realistic rate. (It’s sorta
like weight loss---you can’t start a diet today and expect to lose 50 lbs by the
weekend.)
It’s like a flower opening slowly or opening a child’s NEW
toy (in the package)---many layers to open before you can get the toy out! I
would expect my clients skills to emerge in the same way—in a hierarchy. So,
first, we might notice increased oral exploration, tongue play, etc. Then, sound
play/ emergence, etc. and so on…..
3. Eating/Fluids
ALSO…NV does detox the body and remove the ‘junk’ BUT
again, it’s a gradual process. That is why increased fluids (multiply body wt x
.6= total oz of fluid/day) are so important. Remember, fluids are water, juice,
etc. and in
foods---applesauce, fruit, etc.
The foods eaten by the person on NV need to improve
somewhat so that the true ‘work’ of the NV can occur.
Yes, I know that many kids on this list are picky/problem
eaters---I work with many too---and I am not speaking about them. There are many
other kids w/apraxia who are typical eaters. So, work on improving the quality
of what they are eating as well. Decrease sugar, excess fat, & highly processed
foods. Trade a Happy Meal at McD’s for a burger, apple ‘fries’, broiled fries,
and “toy” at home. Yes, it’s more work but worth it.
It’s the same for any adults who are trying to lose weight
on NV. You can’t continue to eat junk and not drink enough water (no, diet soda
does not count) AND expect to lose weight.