Reseach Study

Kendal was recently asked to be part of a research study conducted by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development. We went ahead and took advantage of this opportunity because not only will this study help advance the findings on Angelman Syndrome, but also they will comprehensively track Kendal's progress for the next 5 years. They have also asked to use Kendal's picture on the front of the brochure for the study. What can I say? My baby's beautiful.....

James took Kendal in for the first evaluation that tests her using the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development, Preschool Language Scale, and Vineland II-Adaptive Behavior Scales. Her overall scoring clustered in the 12-16 month range. The psychologist performing the tests told James at the appointment that Kendal was so much more advanced that the other Angelman children she had worked with, even mentioning that Kendal was the highest-functioning that she had seen.

Of course, this did not surprise us after we attended the Walk-a-Thon in May. I think we were shocked to see some of the more severe cases of AS. To see Kendal, most would notice nothing different in comparison to other children, besides her verbal communication. She now has several signs down and is trying to learn how to use them to get across her wants and needs. We love our speech therapist and she is 100% dedicated to getting Kendal to talk. She more than makes up for any doubt I let in my head.

***NOTE to any of those that know about the duct tape situation - we have learned that Kendal cannot be trusted left to her own devices at any time. I will now be carrying it with me at all times!!