Over the past months, Richard regained most of his speech although it is very difficult to understand what he is saying. He is quite talkative and liked sharing 'stories'. He answers questions truthfully although he cannot be understood most of the time.
Here is a sample of what Richard said when asked about the work he and Nic does at St. Dymphna's. He explains his routine. He tells the interviewer (speech therapist) about Nic's work and praises her, too. He shares about a present they received and an activity they like doing together:
san ko nta? gwa ko?
nta ko wok...kad lng ta pis...wok ko gay pers sa der pis sa blang ding...kad dito...kad dun...ntay...god wok..bring tay...sto ko pey lang speygun...lit nrs rut kng tagal ko...lit sya chaaa pag pey pag may wok...fter wok de na pey...nsan, pey ko sing go go hom...
wok niii?
niii wok lndy...kuha nya rty mit pos walay lor s ti...pi dn sss mit...ling niii pi!
gib ko galo niii...gib ko mimaw...kin ksi kimaw...gib ddyyy mimaw en kimaw. pey mi niii...sto min ssaww..faaay mi ssaww ee...ro ko niii ssaww...ti sto lng niii siiingg..
As for Nic, she has been saying a few words but mostly names of people or some things. She points or gestures more.
Chaaa – Richard
Dee – Daddy
Yun – June
Sss – Hanz
Ly – Sally
Noy – Kuya Nonoy
Ko – Paco
Maw – Minnie Mouse
Wii – chewy
Mam -- water
Like young kids, somehow, only Nic and Richard understand each other when the 'adults' can't. Observing them 'talk' is like watching deaf people communicate with gestures, signs, and 'spoken words'/sounds.
"O, Richard, tawagin mo na si Nic tapos wash hands ka na. Kakain na tayo." June said before dinner.
"Niii shh na..." Richard went to Nic's room. Nic was quietly playing with her toys.
"Ssss!" Nic 'said', pressing her finger to her lips while cradling her toy. "Mimaw.."
"Ahh..sip Mimaw?" Richard whispered.
Nic nodded.
"Hmm..sshh nds na...ner na.." Richard whispered.
Nic nodded and laid the toy on its 'bed' made of pillows and towels. She stood up and joined Richard in the bathroom where they washed hands.
"Wipe" Richard said as he held out the hand towel for Nic.
