Dr. Michael D. White
1234 8th Avenue
Barboursville, WV 25522
Phone 555-9876

September 20, 2000

Michelle D. Smith CCC-SLP
We Help You Talk Speech and Hearing Center
Huntington, WV 25705

Dear Michelle D. Smith

RE: Michael Bermin
Date of Birth 06-30-97

This letter introduces Michael Bermin. He is three years old and lives with his parents David and Judith Bermin in Barboursville, WV. I have been Michael's pediatrician since June of 1997. Michael has been seen for general well child visits. I have treated him for ear infections and bronchitis in the past as well. Michael’s present health is excellent.

Michael’s mother brought him in for a visit, as she is concerned that Michael is not speaking yet. She stated that he only says Momma and Dada on rare occasions. She stated that he never talks, instead gestures for anything that he wants or needs. I performed a hearing screening here in the office. Michael appears to have normal hearing. After listening to Mrs. Bermin’s concerns and based on Michael’s age, I found it necessary that he receive a more thorough evaluation.

Michael is being referred to you for a complete Speech and Language Evaluation. I feel confident that you will provide Michael and his family with the best care and advice. Please feel free to contact me if there is any information you might need. I have enclosed Michael’s complete medical history.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael D. White

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This week was alot like last week. I have been reading the postings from the mailing list. There is alot of interesting things going on. One parent actually posted yesterday about her son just being diagnosed with DAS. She talked about how he was a baby, and how they thought he might possibly be autistic or deaf, because he didn't communicate and was so quiet all the time as an infant.
I tried to pull all of this together to help me with my journal entry as the mom's voice. I dont know if I was actually successful at making any point. When I read it it seemed to be just like a mom rambling on about nothing. Although that would be the case for me if I was in that position. I would probably just go to my journal to ramble on. I hope that it wasn't a waste of time for anyone to read.
I have been thinking about my next genre all week. I thought about writing a referral letter. I thought it might be interesting to experience that. I don't think I have come across this part of the process in any of my classes yet. I guess it is because we don't write a referral letter to ourselves! I am going to get started on that in just a few minutes. I have a few rough drafts of ideas in my notebook that I will have to pull together. I jotted them down throughout the week when an idea hit me. I suppose the hard part will be to find all my little notes.
Even though I haven't had alot of time to spend on the computer this week, I have spent a lot of time thinking about my ideas. I really have a good idea with what I want to do with my genre to bring it all together. I think I mentioned this last week. So I don't think I will go into the details now. It is still going to be the powerpoint. I am still researching other modes of treatment for DAS to add to what I have already.
This week has just about done me in. I am exhausted from thinking, and studying, and reading, and all that stuff that wears me out. I need a BREAK! So this evening after all the homework is done my family and I are going bowling (happy happy joy joy!). Wish me luck, because I am going with two of the most competive people God ever made (my husband, and my stepson) H-E-L-P!!
until next time
michelle