MrMulligan319

Hi. Congratulations on pursuing your PhD. That is not an easy task in any way. I am a speech pathologist who’s worked with several young people with Duchenne MD. So my questions relate to that. 1) Has your ability to speak verbally been compromised? 2) If so, what mode of communication is easiest/do you use most often (AAC device, computer with text to speech, etc)?
3) do you have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)?

Thanks!

I know you’re likely off this ama, but I’m just very interested in the topic of grief. My question is: how can I make others understand that my anticipatory grief at the impending loss of my dog is a valid grief? In the U.S. anyway, bereavement leave from work is a sham that varies from place to place and state to state, but never seems to last longer than a week. And for pets or best friends, those losses aren’t considered under paid bereavement leave. But when my dog dies, I honestly can’t imagine functioning again for a very long time. However, it seems like others (or workplaces, at least) do not validate that loss as grief.

Also an SLP and I came to say hi and keep being awesome, too! I work in a medical private practice with pediatric patients. A tough tough time to be working in person. 💕