Spotlight on Our Raising Robust Reader
Rodrigo Otero
This month, Iris Otero is sharing her wonderful son, Rodrigo, with us.
This is one young man who has captured our hearts through videos his mother Iris shares of their work together. Rodrigo has co-occurring challenges (see below) along with Down syndrome, so taking it slow and easy with patience has become the hallmark of Iris’ instruction. We always appreciate watching Rodrigo and his mom. One, because Rodrigo shows that, even with other challenges, our individuals can do so much more than others may think possible. Two, Iris continues to be creative in helping Rodrigo and believing in his abilities.
We invite you to keep reading to learn more about Rodrigo, his successes, his challenges, and Iris, the Mom who makes it work.
How old is Rodrigo?
Rodrigo is 13 years old.
Can you share a bit about his personality?
Rodrigo is kind and helpful. We go shopping almost every day because he loves to be out in the community. He helps the elderly load their groceries. Also, he is very organized. His room, and even his closet, are never out of place. On the other hand, his sister is always getting in trouble for the opposite. Rodrigo loves his sister so much, he will go into her room and organize it when she leaves for school.
What are Rodrigo's favorite things and activities?
He likes gymnastics, taking his dog for a 1-mile daily walk, listening to music, and collecting Hot Wheels. Rodrigo especially loves to go shopping at HEB.
Does Rodrigo have challenges with verbal skills or additional challenges?
Rodrigo has Apraxia, which causes his verbal communication to be very low. He has been using LAMP WFL since 3rd grade. It was difficult for him to adapt to it. But as he began to see that he had a voice and people reacted to his voice, he used it more. It also helped when I put my own LAMP on the iPad with my voice. This way I can model for him.
Rodrigo started with Go Talk, but LAMP WFL has a lot of growth opportunities. Not all programs are the same therefore, the AT person from the school and/or Speech Pathologist should test different programs to see the best fit. With most programs, you can purchase a license and install them on an Ipad. That's how we started, since it was a hassle to go through insurance. Our state has a grant program so later we qualified for a voucher to buy a DEDICATED device, which has better case, speakers etc. Most AC programs allow for your voice, pictures, etc to be modified in order to customize.
What aspirations and dreams do you have for your Rodrigo’s future, and how do you work toward those goals together?
We want him to be happy and productive to society. This has evolved and will keep changing as he grows. We strive for life skills and independence. He is very independent and always tries on his own before asking for help. Academics are challenging since many times he doesn’t see a benefit to it. Rodrigo is the happiest when he is cleaning, loading groceries, or out in the community.
Do you homeschool, or does your child attend school?
We have been homeschooling since Covid. It has been wonderful to see his growth ESPECIALLY in his communication. He will return to traditional school sometime in High School.
What prompted you to look into teaching your child to read beyond sight words?
I started seeing that he needed MORE. He needed to be able to read more than sight words.
How many sounds did your child know when you started?
Rodrigo probably knew most of the alphabet single sounds.
How many phonograms do you estimate that you have taught or are teaching each week?
2 -3 but we go back and reteach so it’s taken awhile.
Did family members join in with songs?
Not really.
How much time do you spend at a table? How much time on-the-go in the house and out and about?
We do about five minutes of watching the videos—which he really enjoys. The rest of the time is made up of games and books. Rodrigo loves music, and when I’m driving, we read the names of songs that come up on the screen.
How long did it take before teaching the program became natural to you?
It took about a month, but I still have to be mindful in order to incorporate in our day. I still struggle remembering the songs. I am horrible with music. My daughter teases that I change all the lyrics to songs.
How long do you think it took your child to understand how to blend sounds?
This is something that I am not completely sure Rodrigo understands yet. Since he doesn’t speak, then I blend, and he follows by pointing. Other times, I blend and he forms the word with tiles. That’s how I check for understanding.
If Rodrigo has learned about syllables, which type is his favorite?
Honestly, I am scared to attempt how to break words into syllables. I have introduced the terms and signs for open, closed, bossy r, and vowel buddy, but he doesn’t show interest or understanding.
What was/is the best part of teaching your child?
Spending time with Rodrigo when we have a goal in mind.
What was/is the hardest?
The hardest is when we are in stores and I point out phonograms. He doesn’t like it because he sees it as teaching in his “beloved” spaces. I opt now for just pointing them out quickly but not expecting him to find it or read it.
Do you remember any aha moments you had learning the program?
I have been surprised by the amount of vocabulary that Rodrigo has. There have been times when he attempts to spell words on his device keyboard. Also, he can read the new speech buttons I have added to his device- I don’t need to add pictures along with the word like I used to.
What does your child enjoy the most?
Rodrigo loves the toy box. He loves taking stuff out and then sorting them by sound.
Keep those videos coming, Iris. We celebrate along with you.
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